Funding has been secured for one of the largest space technology hubs in the UK in order to advance the country's space industry.
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) will give £284,000 to Space Park Leicester to pay for a cluster development manager for a period of three years.
In order to coordinate space activity and promote investment and collaboration, the appointed individual will collaborate with the local government and businesses.
A total of 18 UK projects will split £6.85 million in government funding.
One of the grants given out as part of these awards is £500,000 to the Midland Aerospace Alliance's Pivot into Space R&D program, which supports space companies all over the Midlands.
British astronaut Tim Peake inaugurated the space park in March 2022, which is run by the University of Leicester.
Scientists, researchers, and businesses can collaborate across laboratories and offices at the £100 million hub, which is nearby the National Space Centre.
The funding will enable us to collaborate with the Midlands Aerospace Alliance and bring the expanding cluster activities in the East and West Midlands under one roof, according to Professor Martin Barstow, director of strategic partnerships at the facility. ".
The space scientist and astrophysicist continued, saying, "Space Park Leicester has already built a strong cluster in the East of the region, and we know there is growing activity in the West.
The strength of the regional space economy will grow as a result of combining these activities. ".
According to Dr. Paul Bate, the UK Space Agency's chief executive, "creating a network of space clusters and high impact projects will accelerate the development of the thriving space ecosystem the UK needs to realize the full economic potential of space throughout the UK.
"We've been working with the regions to comprehend their strengths and the needs of their local space economies so that we can support these excellence clusters in their collaboration, expansion, and success.
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