Hertfordshire Futures and the Hatfield-based University of Hertfordshire have joined Space East.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, November 26, at Airbus Defence and Space's UK headquarters in Stevenage.

This move is set to further bolster the region's standing in the global space sector.

The announcement coincided with the first anniversary of the Community for Space Prosperity (CUSP).

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This industry initiative aims to foster collaboration across the space ecosystem to connect, inspire, and grow the UK's £18.9 billion space sector.

More than 40 organisations gathered to celebrate CUSP's impact in 2024 and to hear from nine start-up and SME companies who recently completed the 14-week Airbus Space Accelerator programme.

Space East is the UK's newest space cluster, bringing together leaders from industry, research, and government in the East of England to develop and champion new opportunities in space technology.

The region is the third largest in the UK in terms of income generated from space-related activities.

Professor Mairi Watson, deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, said: “Joining Space East, alongside Hertfordshire Futures and our longstanding partners in the space sector, is our way to demonstrate our long term commitment to the underlying education and research that will support growth in this region and ensure that Hertfordshire continues to be recognised for the innovation and excellence of its space related activity.”

Research by Hertfordshire Futures has identified around 60 companies operating in the manufacturing supply chain within a 30-mile radius of Stevenage.

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Adrian Hawkins OBE, chair of Hertfordshire Futures, said:: “We were delighted to be here to celebrate the first anniversary of Airbus’s CUSP programme.

"Together with the University of Hertfordshire and other space partners we look forward to playing a full and active part in the development of the wider space community in the East of England and build on its potential to maximise the global opportunities arising from space.

"The possibilities are infinite.”

Stuart Catchpole, cluster manager at Space East, said: “We are excited to welcome Hertfordshire Futures and the University of Hertfordshire to the Space East community, joining existing members Airbus."