Northumbria University has appointed Sir Robert McAlpine to build the new world-leading North East Space Skills and Technology (NESST) Centre in Newcastle
The NESST centre will be a “game-changer” for the UK space economy, and will support the creation of over 350 jobs.
The centre will inject over £260m into the North East economy over the next 30 years, playing a critical role in the government’s levelling-up agenda and immediately becoming a catalyst for the wider development of the UK space sector in the North East region.
The centre has received major funding
The UK Space Agency has awarded £10m to Northumbria University to support the development of NESST.
Lockheed Martin has also committed a further £15m investment in NESST to work with Northumbria’s experts on collaborative research, technology development, in-demand skills provision and STEM engagement activities over a 10-year period.
Northumbria University is match-funding the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin awards with a further £25m, bringing the overall total investment in NESST to £50m.
NESST will put the UK at the forefront of research and innovation in areas including optical satellite communications, space weather and space-based energy, and will lead the way in providing specialist education and training to ensure the UK space sector has the highly skilled workers it needs in the future.
A ‘major hub’ for innovation in the global space community
Professor Andy Long, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Northumbria University, said: “This is a pivotal moment, not just for Northumbria University, but for the wider North East region and indeed, for the UK space sector as a whole.
“This catalytic funding from both the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin recognises the world-leading excellence in all aspects of space research at Northumbria University. Quite simply, NESST will be a game-changer for the whole of the North East, ensuring the region becomes a major hub for innovation in the global space economy.”
McAlpine is anticipated to settle on a price for a comprehensive design and construction contract by year’s end.
