Durham University has launched a new £5m centre to support North East England’s growing space industry and lead on the sustainable exploration of the cosmos.
Dr Andrew Aldrin, an esteemed scientist and son of legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin, gave a keynote speech ahead of the opening of the new Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC).
He was joined at the opening event, at the Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics, by Durham University Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O’Brien, Councillor Amanda Hopgood, leader of Durham County Council, plus representatives from the European Space Agency, space sector leaders, academics, and other regional officials.
Drawing upon the University’s considerable and world-renowned expertise in space technology and research, SPARC aims to be at the forefront of scientific advancement, business development, space law and the sustainable exploration of space.
The centre includes researchers from the University’s departments of Physics, Law, Government and International Affairs, Computer Science and Durham University Business School.
The centre’s goals include providing high-quality training and education to develop a skills pipeline of enthusiastic, creative and highly sought after workers for the regional and national space industry.
It also plans to engage with industry and policymakers to influence change in governance and space sustainability.
Dr Aldrin, whose father was the second man to walk on the Moon, is Associate Professor and Chair of the Master of Sciences Space Systems, and the Master of Space Operations programmes at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA. Dr Aldrin is also a leader in the field of space innovation and operations.
Dr Andrew Aldrin, said: "The space community has got to get out of its cosmic cocoon. We will be most successful when terrestrial industries just think of space as another place to find partners.
“Industry engagement is essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of space exploration.
“By working with sectors such as advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, we can accelerate the commercialisation of space, turning research into practical technologies that benefit society and drive economic growth.
"A collaborative approach not only expands opportunities within the space sector but also establishes the foundation for responsible and enduring space innovation."
The launch event also saw the announcement that Durham University has become a European Space Agency (ESA) Laboratory.
Being part of the ESA Lab network gives Durham access to ESA's technical expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and funding opportunities.
ESA Lab membership brings further international collaboration, joint research initiatives, and technology transfer opportunities, alongside specialised training and student exchange programmes.
It also provides greater opportunity for other academic institutions and industry to collaborate with Durham and access the University’s expertise and facilities in instrumentation, such as telescopes.
Durham’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, based at NETPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham, already builds components for some of the world’s biggest telescope and satellite projects, which are helping to further our understanding of space.
Commercial partners and government agencies who have worked with the University include the UK Space Agency, ESA and NASA.
North East England’s space sector employed 3,000 full-time equivalent people in 2021 and by 2030 there are plans to have 10,000 roles.
Durham University is also a key partner in the new £2.5 million North East Space Communications Accelerator (NESCA), which will launch in 2025.
The initiative brings together Northumbria, Durham, and Newcastle universities, the North East Combined Authority, Space North East England, the North East Space Leadership Group, and 14 industry partners, all working together to bolster the region’s space sector.
Professor James Osborn, Director of the Durham University Space Research Centre, said: “Durham’s research and expertise is world-renowned for furthering our understanding of space and enabling the exploration of the cosmos through cutting edge technological development.
“We are building on that heritage and stretching out into space business and operations, space governance and international relations.
“Space is a rapidly growing sector which supports our improving quality of life and protecting our planet.
“Now is the time to develop technology and ideas for a sustainable future in space and the establishment of SPARC and our ESA Lab status will support us in achieving this.”
The event also served as the launch of Light Years, Durham University’s art and space science project, which sits within the regional Into The Light Place Partnership, led by Durham County Council.
The Place Partnership is carrying on the excitement and energy from County Durham's shortlisted bid to be UK City of Culture 2025.
Light Years allows Durham University to bring its space research and expertise to the public, and also bring the public and local communities into SPARC in a creative and accessible way.
Councillor Amanda Hopgood, leader of Durham County Council, attended the event together with Alison Clark, the Council’s Head of Culture, Sport and Tourism.
Durham County Council, through Cllr Hopgood, is the North East Combined Authority portfolio holder for culture, tourism, sport and the arts. The Light Years project aims to utilise culture to share opportunities in space across the region.
Councillor Hopgood said: “It’s really exciting to be launching something as ambitious as SPARC right here in County Durham and the wider North East.
“Our county has had a connection with space dating back 1,200 years, to the days of Venerable Bede and his Lunar Calendar; and today we are home to the North East Space cluster at our North East Technology Park at Sedgefield.
“It’s brilliant to strengthen that connection through this new Durham University facility and we’re also really looking forward to The Light Years project bringing this fascinating subject to more people in the county as part of our Into the Light Place Partnership.”