Hertfordshire Futures, and Space East will join the Airbus Launchpad in Stevenage to help high-potential SMEs to accelerate growth, develop new technologies, and unlock opportunities within the UK space sector supply chain.

Opened in 2026, the Airbus Launchpad is a new innovation hub, designed to boost the UK space sector by connecting the most ambitious Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with the resources and expertise of a global aerospace leader.

Supported by the UK Space Agency, the Airbus Launchpad fosters collaboration and growth, helping to secure the UK’s position at the forefront of the global space economy.

Hertfordshire Futures and Space East will support the expansion of the reach and impact of the Airbus Launchpad residency programme, providing SMEs with access to specialist facilities, technical expertise, and industry networks that are rarely available to early-stage and scaling businesses.

By combining Airbus’ world-class engineering capabilities and infrastructure, Hertfordshire Futures’ expertise in economic development and business growth, and Space East’s extensive cluster network, the partnership will support supply chain development, drive innovation, and strengthen the UK’s sovereign space capability.

What businesses will receive:

Following a competitive application process, selected SMEs will secure a no-cost six-month residency at the Airbus Launchpad in Stevenage. The opportunity is open exclusively to UK businesses with the potential to join or grow within the space sector supply chain.

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• A six-month tenancy within the Airbus Launchpad’s innovative environment.
• Access to Airbus technical expertise and specialist networks.
• Access to Airbus facilities, laboratories, testing, and prototyping environments.
• Opportunities to collaborate strategically with Airbus and other partners on specific projects.
• Workshops, networking events, and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Access to alumni and wider innovation networks through Airbus, Space East, and Hertfordshire Futures.

Airbus Launchpad facilities:

The Launchpad features six multifunctional laboratories supporting innovation and technology development in:

• Simulation and Modelling
• Military Space Capability
• Advanced Robotics
• Rapid Prototyping
• Fast-Fail Testing
• Virtual Reality

Knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and co-development opportunities will be enhanced through the combined power of Airbus, Hertfordshire Futures, and Space East’s multiple connections to national, regional and local experts.

The partnership will also create opportunities for participating businesses to connect with investors, researchers, industry leaders, and potential customers, helping them to accelerate innovation, strengthen commercial capabilities, and access new markets.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair, Hertfordshire Futures, said:

“This partnership with Airbus and Space East creates an exceptional opportunity for innovative SMEs in Hertfordshire and the wider region. Airbus Launchpad gives businesses access to facilities, expertise, and networks that would otherwise be out of reach, helping them accelerate growth, develop new technologies, and unlock commercial opportunities. By working together, we’re strengthening our regional innovation ecosystem and reinforcing Hertfordshire’s position as a leading location for innovation, advanced engineering, and high value growth.”

Kata Escott, Managing Director, Airbus Defence and Space UK, said:

“The Airbus Launchpad was created to help innovative organisations access the people, facilities, and expertise needed to bring new technologies to market. Through our partnership with Hertfordshire Futures and Space East, we can widen access to these capabilities and create new opportunities for SMEs to collaborate, innovate, and contribute to the future growth.“

Stuart Catchpole, Regional Director, Space East, said:

“Collaboration is the foundation of growth in the space sector. Success depends not only on access to world-class facilities and technical expertise, but also on the networks, partnerships, and shared ambition that help innovation reach the market. This partnership creates new opportunities for innovators, researchers, and businesses to connect, develop new capabilities, and accelerate commercial growth. By working together across industry, academia, and government, we can help more organisations realise the potential of space technologies and strengthen the UK’s position in the global space economy.”

Apply now:

Businesses interested in applying for a six-month residency at the Airbus Launchpad are invited to complete an Expression of Interest form by 4th September 2026. Four places are available in the next cohort, which will commence at the end October 2026.

Application form

The UK’s largest indoor optical research facility officially opened at the University of Suffolk’s DigiTech Centre today – a laboratory which is set to play a key role in supporting future space missions and next-generation secure quantum communications.

The Quantum Optics Discovery (QOD) Lab, based at BT Adastral Park, is part of the Space East cluster, and will enable testing of laser communication systems, known as free space optics, through turbulent atmospheric conditions such as rain, fog and wind.

Optical communications use light to carry information vast distances and are more secure than those travelling on cable-based infrastructure.

In addition, the facility will enable testing of real-world laser communications from an optical ground station on site, via satellites in space and received back down to Earth at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

Grant-funded by the UK Space Agency under its Space Cluster Infrastructure Fund (SCIF), which includes match funding from the project’s commercial and academic partners, the £6.2million project is the first of its kind in the East of England.

The facility will enable research projects and commercial testing opportunities for a wealth of sectors in need of secure and reliable communications, such as emergency services, financial, security, disaster zone recovery, and many more.

In addition, it will help test communications systems which will reduce the reliance on existing cable-based infrastructure.

The facility’s lab includes a free space optics turbulence simulator, which can direct a laser either horizontally or vertically and test the beam in modular rain, fog, temperature and wind controls, to create a controlled environment of testing real-world scenarios.

According to project leaders, the facility can even test wind speeds up to hurricane-level conditions.

Honeywell Aerospace’s on-site transportable optical ground station meanwhile can connect light signals from the Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (QEYSSAT) and QKDSat satellite in space, before returning the data back to Earth to Adastral Park and Heriot-Watt University’s optical ground station in Edinburgh. That will provide the opportunity to test the communications in live atmospheric conditions.

The tests that can be conducted at the site in real weather conditions could help support the development of next-generation networks, secure communications and even future space missions.

The project helps meet the Government’s national quantum and space strategies, including ambitions to deploy the most advanced quantum network at scale by 2035.

Furthermore, the facility will be available under commercial agreements for testing by firms needing to utilise free space optics communications, and is set to facilitate a host of research projects, including PhD and postdoctoral research opportunities at the University of Suffolk.

At the official launch event on Thursday afternoon, the new facility was opened by University of Suffolk Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jenny Higham, and project partners alongside invited guests.

To find out more about the QOD Lab and to get in touch with the team about commercial or research opportunities, head to the website here: Quantum Optics Discovery Lab (QOD Lab) | University of Suffolk or email qodlab@uos.ac.uk.

Space East

Stuart Catchpole, Regional Director of Space East said “The Quantum Optics Discovery Lab reflects the collaborative ecosystem Space East is building across the region: bringing together industry, academia and government to accelerate innovation in both the UK space sector and in the East of England.

“This facility not only strengthens our region’s capability in advanced optical and quantum communications, but also creates a nationally significant testbed for developing secure, resilient technologies that will underpin future space missions and critical infrastructure.

“By enabling real world testing, commercial collaboration and cutting-edge research, the QOD Lab reinforces East Anglia’s position as a leading hub for space enabled technologies, driving investment, skills development and long-term economic growth across the region.”

University of Suffolk

Professor Darryl Newport, project lead and Director of the Suffolk Sustainability Institute at the University of Suffolk, said: “The QOD Lab represents a significant opportunity for Suffolk and the East of England to play a vital role in the future testing, research and development of optical communications – technology which will play an increasingly important role in the secure transfer of data and information.

“The ability to create a controlled environment of atmospheric conditions, coupled with our ability to connect with QEYSSAT and QKDSat and our partners in Scotland, means we have created an environment to foster genuine collaboration and innovation in this space.”

UK Space Agency

Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: “The opening of the Quantum Optics Discovery Lab is a landmark moment for British science. This world-leading facility – backed by government funding – will help put the UK at the forefront of next-generation optical and quantum communications and help establish East Anglia as a hub for space sector innovation.

“From making online payments more secure to supporting disaster recovery, the potential applications of this work are genuinely transformative. This is exactly the kind of bold infrastructure investment that will drive economic growth, create skilled jobs, and help establish the UK as a leading space power.”

Heriot-Watt University

Dr Ross Donaldson, Associate Professor in the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, said: “The foundations of an advanced UK-wide quantum communications network are being laid today. This begins by linking Scotland’s photonics and quantum research community – through facilities at Heriot-Watt University – with the UK telecommunications sector at BT’s Adastral Park created in this project.

“Innovation is being accelerated by state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, developed alongside optical ground station infrastructure and connected by dedicated dark fibre networks. Together, these capabilities create a powerful testbed for new technologies.

“I’m particularly excited to see both the laboratory and optical ground station used to test emerging products and to gather real-world data from ongoing satellite missions led by UK teams.”

Honeywell Aerospace

Stefan Lespezeanu, Senior Offering Manager for Space at Honeywell Aerospace, said: “Secure and resilient communications continue to be a top priority for governments and critical industries, and emerging quantum secure communications technologies are poised to address this need.

“Facilities like the QOD Lab help accelerate collaboration between industry, academia and government while advancing the development and adoption of these secure optical and quantum communications technologies.”

BT

Dr Peter Bell, Managing Director of Adastral Park, BT said: “We’re proud to host the Quantum Optics Discovery Lab and the Optical Ground Station at BT’s Adastral Park – a site with a long history of leading UK communications innovation.

“These new facilities will help us better understand how the atmosphere affects light‑based signals and allow us to explore how future optical networks could operate in space – an area of rapidly growing global interest.

“Having already delivered the UK’s first metro‑scale quantum‑secure network, this marks an exciting next step. We can now begin developing and testing secure satellite‑based quantum communications, including space‑to‑ground Quantum Key Distribution, a technology designed keep communications safe from future cyber threats.

“This investment represents a major milestone in building a more secure, resilient and truly ‘quantum‑ready’ communications infrastructure for the UK.”

Azora

James Schalkwyk, CEO of Azora, said: “We are extremely grateful to the UK Space Agency and the SCIF [Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund] program for supporting this project.

“Programs like SCIF are hugely valuable for young companies working on emerging technologies and help turn research into real infrastructure. As space becomes increasingly important to everyday life, investments like this are helping build the next generation of communications capability.”

University of Glasgow

Professor Martin Lavery, Leader of the Structured Photonics Research Group and Professor of Optics at the University of Glasgow, said: “Designing optical communication systems that perform reliably through fog, clouds, and atmospheric turbulence has always been difficult to validate without extensive and expensive field testing. This facility at the QOD Lab, supported by the UKSA, changes that; offering a controllable emulator capable of reproducing worldwide physical environments on demand.

“Bringing this facility from concept to reality has been a true team effort, and I want to express my sincere thanks to the Structured Photonics Research Group at the University of Glasgow and the project team at the University of Suffolk for their hard work and commitment to the design and delivery of this world-leading turbulence emulator.

“We’re making it available to university research groups and commercial developers alike, because robust, standardised testing infrastructure is something the whole field needs, and, until now, hasn’t had. I believe this facility can be a starting gun for the growth of a burgeoning research community in next generation adaptive optical systems, and I’m genuinely excited to see what remarkable future technologies are matured through testing at the QOD Lab.”

East of England Showcases Power of a “Connected Space Economy” in New Capability Report

Space East has launched its first major capability report, Connected Space Economy: Space East Capabilities, revealing how the East of England’s space expertise is already driving growth and innovation across the wider economy.

Produced in partnership with global space market intelligence specialist Space Insider (part of Resonance), the report maps around 280 space‑related organisations across the region, and highlights how space technologies are being translated into real‑world impact in sectors ranging from transport and ports to agriculture, health and energy.

Rather than viewing space as a standalone industry, the report demonstrates how the East of England is building a connected space economy, linking satellites, networks and data with end users on the ground to deliver practical services, resilience and economic value.

Space Capabilities at Work Across the Region:

The report shows how long‑established strengths in satellite communications (SATCOM), Earth observation, sensing, data analytics and advanced manufacturing are being deployed to solve real operational challenges.

Regional examples include:

• Adastral Park and the Quantum Optics Discovery (QOD) Lab, anchoring advanced communications, non‑terrestrial networks and quantum‑enabled space technologies.
• Felixstowe and Freeport East, where satellite connectivity, Earth observation and data analytics are supporting smart ports, resilient logistics and maritime operations.
• Agritech and Earth observation, combining satellite data with analytics to enhance precision farming, water management and environmental monitoring across one of the UK’s most productive agricultural regions.
• Health and biotech clusters, using secure connectivity, sensing and data infrastructure to enable remote services and life‑science innovation.

Together, these assets form a near end‑to‑end space and digital connectivity stack, from payload design and manufacturing, through ground infrastructure and hybrid terrestrial‑satellite networks, to deployed services used by industry and government.

Covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, the report identifies a nationally significant ecosystem offering upstream and downstream capabilities, featuring:

• Around 280 space‑related organisations.
• More than 200 companies, alongside universities, research institutes and test facilities.
• An estimated 3,800 specialist staff working across space, data and advanced engineering roles.

This reflects both the region’s long‑standing aerospace and telecommunications heritage and the rapid emergence of new space‑enabled businesses operating at the interface with other sectors.

Strong Alignment with UK Priorities:

The analysis shows how Space East’s activities align closely with national priorities including the National Space Strategy, Space Industrial Plan, National Quantum Strategy and Wireless Infrastructure Strategy.

It highlights the region’s role in delivering capabilities recognised as part of the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure, such as resilient satellite communications and space‑enabled data services, while also supporting innovation in climate resilience, mobility, food security and security‑related applications.

The report also points to strong investor interest, underpinned by assets such as Freeport East, major research campuses and established innovation ecosystems.

A Platform for Collaboration and Growth:

Connected Space Economy: Space East Capabilities provides a robust evidence base to support deeper collaboration between industry, academia, government and investors, offering a clearer picture of how space technologies are already contributing to regional and national prosperity.

Stuart Catchpole, Regional Director at Space East, said:

“This report shows how space capability in the East of England is being applied far beyond the space sector itself. By connecting satellites, networks and data with real‑world users, the region is turning space investment into practical services, skilled jobs and meaningful economic value.”

Paul Febvre, Space East Chair, Professor and Director of Cranfield Centre for Resilient Space Systems, Communications and PNT, added:

“This synthesis of a thorough piece of investigative research illustrates the significant contributions that organisations in the East of England make to the space economy. 

The report is a excellent resource for those looking to build their network and create collaborative partnerships to generate commercial value in today’s competitive environment.”

The full report, Connected Space Economy: Space East Capabilities, is available below.

About Space East:

Launched in 2023 with funding from the UK Space Agency and following 2 years of groundwork led by New Anglia LEP, the Space East cluster serves as a key catalyst for space sector development in the region. Working as one of 14 such clusters across the UK and supported by Suffolk County Council, Norfolk County Council, Essex County Council, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Hertfordshire Futures and the University of East Anglia, it works with partners such as the Satellite Applications Catapult and European Space Agency to deliver the objectives set out in the governments space strategy, supporting space sector businesses to grow and non-space businesses to access the opportunities that this £18.2 billion UK sector provides.

In three years Space East has grown to nearly 400 members across industry, academia and public sectors, becoming the fastest growing space cluster in the UK.

www.spaceeast.co.uk

About Resonance Holdings:

Space Insider delivers real-time, structured intelligence across the global space economy. Through relational mapping that connects companies, missions, capital and policy, the platform turns fragmented sector data into a connected picture, showing not just what’s happening, but who’s involved and where momentum is building.

Used by investors, space company founders and executives, government agencies, military entities, industry analysts and academic research organisations.

Space Insider. Navigate the space economy.

Powered by the Resonance Intelligence Engine.

spaceinsider.tech

Link to Full Report:

Space East- Capability Report

Find customers, partners and capital with the Space Network ‘Connect’ platform. Exclusive 25% UK Cluster discount for Space East members.

Space East has partnered with Space Network, the global space ecosystem and B2B marketplace, to give member companies exclusive discounted access to Connect, our opportunity platform. Connect is built to help organisations across the space sector and adjacent industries, turn connections into contracts by accelerating commercial traction and promoting real opportunities worldwide.

With Connect you can:

• Win new customers and contracts
• Recruit specialist space talent
• Promote your products and services
• Source trusted suppliers & providers
• Find partners and collaborators
• Access knowledge and capital

Join today to save 25% on your first year and unlock thousands of pounds’ worth of member-only benefits from Space Network partners from day one.

Sign up now: connect.spacenetwork.net/ Use limited time discount code: SPEC-39HU for 25% off membership

The power of the network
Connect gives you direct access to the Space Network community where everyone is a first connection! Find key individuals, reach decision-makers, and engage organisations. Build your profile, showcase capability, and connect with the global space community to unlock meaningful introductions and drive commercial traction.

Access global space knowledge
The Knowledge area is where meaningful engagement happens. Our forums are built for professional, additive conversation and genuine knowledge sharing. Ask questions, share insight, learn from peers, and build collaboration across the community. You’ll also find the latest global space news and curated content to keep you informed.

Unlock critical growth capital
Gain access to over $1bn in potential capital sources, including venture capital, project and asset finance, and venture debt. Through our proprietary diagnostics, companies can measure their Capital Readiness Level (CRL), build a best-in-class data room, strengthen investment readiness with trusted professional advisors, and match with funding sources aligned to their stage, sector and ambition.

Explore global supply and demand opportunities across the Space Network
Connect brings the sector together around real, actionable opportunities, making it easier to promote what you offer and find what you need – all just a click away.

Products & Services
Promote your products & services, secure new customers, explore new routes to market, or identify suppliers, solutions and partners.

Jobs
Advertise roles to attract top talent and help your company grow, or find new vacancies to take your own career to the next level.

Collaborations
Find partners or join consortia for bids, research programmes and joint ventures, strengthening delivery, credibility and outcomes.

Contracts & Tenders
Publish tender opportunities, define supplier requirements, or discover open calls that match your capabilities and offering.

Events
Share and discover local or global events and activities that bring people and companies together to learn, meet and collaborate.

Benefits
Access thousands of pounds’ worth of free, exclusive member-only benefits offered by Space Network partners.

Training & Education
Upskill yourself or team through accredited programmes, or promote your own space training offers to reach a global market.

Grants
Discover grants and funding calls from the public sector, or share relevant programmes that can accelerate projects and growth.

Packs
Unlock exclusive partner packs – often discounted – with paid-for services and bundled support designed to accelerate progress.

About Space Network

Founded in 2023, Space Network has a clear vision: to accelerate the commercial growth of the global space sector by building the world’s most connected space sector marketplace. Through our Connect platform and curated partner network, we help members find customers, suppliers, talent, capital, knowledge and practical support, turning connections into contracts and purposeful collaborations.

Flyer: SPECxSpace Network

by Louise Searley. Director. Searley Owen

Head of Manufacturing Operations
Chelmsford, Essex
£100,000 – £120,000 + benefits
We’re partnering with a well-established, growing manufacturing business looking to appoint a Head of Manufacturing Operations to lead across UK and US sites.
This is a senior leadership role with real scope, overseeing multiple functions including production, quality, engineering, purchasing and driving performance across the wider operation.
If you’re someone who thrives when bringing teams together, improving processes, and driving meaningful change, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing and operational performance across UK and US sites
• Oversee key functions including production, quality, engineering and purchasing
• Drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency across the business
• Take ownership of supplier management and strategy, working with a global supply
  base
• Lead change and transformation initiatives across the operation
• Ensure quality, compliance and performance standards are consistently met
• Develop and lead cross-functional teams, creating alignment and accountability
• Oversee facilities and plant operations, ensuring reliability and long-term capability
• Collaborate with international teams

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven leadership experience within manufacturing / operations
• Experience overseeing multiple departments at a senior level
• Strong background in supplier management and supplier strategy
• Experience leading change, transformation and continuous improvement
• Comfortable operating at a strategic level
• Experience within complex or high-spec manufacturing environments
• Strong stakeholder management and commercial awareness

Benefits & Key Details

• £100,000 – £120,000 basic salary
• Solid benefits package which includes Private healthcare, very good Pension scheme, Life assurance and more
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Internation travel, usually twice per year for 1-2 weeks
• Free secure onsite parking
• Opportunity to lead at scale across international operations
• Real scope to drive change and improve performance
• Broad role with ownership across multiple key functions
• Join a business with strong foundations and future growth plans

For more information contact:

Louise Searley louise@searleyowen.com Tel: 01245 950300

Be the commercial force behind next-generation thermal materials for aerospace, space & defence.

Blue Neptune is developing advanced thermal insulation coatings that address one of the most persistent challenges in high-performance industries: heat management at the extremes. Backed by the European Space Agency BIC and Undaunted Greenhouse, and working with world-class institutions including the Royce Institute, the company is now looking for the right candidate to spearhead its commercial activities.
The idea candidate will:

• Own the full commercial function- pipeline, partnerships, and market strategy- working directly with the founders at a pivotal scale-up moment.
• Engage OEMs, Tier 1 primes, and mission-critical customers across some of the most technically demanding sectors on the planet.
• Have 5 – 10+ years in BD or commercial strategy, with an aerospace, defence, or space network and the resilience to play the long game.
• Support the founders as a key member of a small, high-ownership team where your work has direct and visible impact.

To apply: Send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@blue-neptune.com
Full job posting is available at https://blue-neptune.com/team