USW shares in funding to deliver Wales space strategy projects

The University of South Wales (USW) is one of six applicants to have been successful in securing funding from the Wales Space Cluster Catalyst Fund.

Space Wales, the trade association for the Space Sector in Wales, has announced that each of the six applicants will receive a share of the £247,000 fund to deliver their proposed projects, covering education, product innovation, and improved connectivity.

Alongside USW, Snowdonia Aerospace LLP, N10gled Ltd, Excelerate Technology Ltd, Space Forge,and Engineering Education Scheme Wales Limited (EESW), will deliver projects.

The funding, which originates from the UK Space Agency, is made available through a partnership between Space Wales, the UK Space Agency, and the Welsh Government. It’s being awarded to projects that help deliver on the ambitions outlined in Wales: A Sustainable Space Nation - Wales’ space strategy published in 2022.

The USW project - ‘Introduction to Space: Inspiring awareness and Skills for Wales’ Future Workforce’ – is in line with the Wales and UK Space Policies, and is a CPD programme which will aim to raise awareness of the growing importance of space sector and the wide range of opportunities it offers.

Antonia Yendell, Head of Space Ecosystem Development at UK Space Agency, said: “Wales is home to a dynamic and fast-growing space sector. The UK Space Agency, working in partnership with the Welsh government and Space Wales, is investing in innovative projects that will progress the ambitions of Wales’ Space Strategy, as well as drive economic growth, develop capabilities aligned to Welsh sector strengths, and create new opportunities for people to join the UK’s space workforce – harnessing the unique contributions Wales can make to the UK’s national and connected space ecosystem.” 

John Whalley, CEO, Space Wales added: “We’re proud to see such a diverse range of projects coming forward from across Wales, from education and skills development to cutting-edge innovation. These initiatives show the depth of talent and ambition that exists within the Welsh space community. By working closely with the UK Space Agency and Welsh Government, we’re helping to turn that ambition into real-world impact, building a sustainable and globally recognised space sector that creates opportunities and inspiration across the whole of Wales.”

Space Wales is the trade association for the Space Sector in Wales, linked closely to parent company Aerospace Wales. Space Wales works with more than 100 organisations in Wales that span the wide number of the nation’s space-related capabilities across industry and academia

Following the publication of the Wales Space Strategy ‘Wales a Sustainable Space Nation’ in partnership with the Welsh Government in 2021, sustainability remains at the core of Space Wales’ operations. The organisation actively promotes collaboration to champion the space ecosystem both in Wales, and across the UK.