Funding awarded for innovative space technology projects

The North East Space Communications Accelerator (NESCA) has successfully awarded its first round of innovation funding, distributing almost £340,000 across seven cutting-edge space communications and technology projects.

From tracking space debris to developing ultra-reliable communications systems, these projects showcase the breadth of cutting-edge space technology being developed in the North East.

Launched six months ago, NESCA is a £2.6 million, four-year programme funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

It brings together Northumbria, Durham, and Newcastle universities alongside the North East Combined Authority, Space North East England, the North East Space Leadership Group, and 14 industry partners, with the aim of developing resilient space communications technology.

The programme aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry-ready products, supporting the UK's ambition to become a global space industry leader.

This first round of funding represents just over a fifth of NESCA's total four-year innovation budget, with academics at different stages of their careers from all three of NESCA’s partner universities selected for support.

Northumbria University academics are leading three of the projects, showcasing the institution's expertise in advanced space technologies and resilient communications systems.

NESCA project lead Professor Vincent Barrioz, from Northumbria’s School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics, said: "These first awards demonstrate NESCA's commitment to translating world-class research into real-world impact. We're particularly pleased to see such strong leadership from Early Career Researchers and the level of industry engagement across all projects. This funding will accelerate innovation in space communications whilst creating high-skilled jobs and driving economic growth in the North East."

Assistant Professor in Space Technology at Northumbria, Dr Matthew Townson is leading one of the successful projects, SkyScan: Regional SSA Enhancement through Astronomical Imaging, working alongside North East space startup 3S Northumbria.

Speaking about the research, Dr Townson said: “SkyScan uses the same techniques astronomers use to photograph distant stars and galaxies to help track satellites and space junk orbiting Earth. By improving our ability to spot and monitor these objects, SkyScan will help prevent collisions in space and make satellite operations safer.”

Research Fellow Dr Stephen Campbell leads another of the Northumbria project, Gallium Oxide Antimony Tri-Selenide (GOATS) broadband photodetector for resilient Space communications, with support from industry partner GlakoLens Ltd and the Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM) at Swansea University.

Dr Campbell said: “This project develops advanced light-detection technology that can withstand the extreme conditions of space, including intense radiation and temperature fluctuations. By using specially designed materials, the system will enable more reliable satellite communications in harsh environments where standard equipment would fail, helping to ensure continuous connectivity for critical space missions.”

Dr Juna Sathian has also been awarded funding for her project MASER-Link: Reconfigurable MASER-Based Microwave Communications Platform, which will see her working alongside radio frequency experts Filtronic.

She explains: “MASER-Link creates a new type of signal generator that produces extremely clear, interference-free communications between satellites and ground stations. Unlike traditional systems that require expensive cooling equipment, this technology works at normal room temperature, making it more practical and cost-effective. Working with Filtronic, we will build and test a working prototype, demonstrating regional expertise in cutting-edge space technology.”

The remaining funded projects are led by Newcastle University (Quantum Light Source for Ultra-Secure Satellite Links, led by Dr Aleksey Kozikov in partnership with AmbaSat Limited) and Durham University (three projects: Retro-modulated Free-space Link using Electro-optic Communications Technology led by Dr Cyril Bourgenot, Prototype Development of an Optical PAT System for Low-Latency In-Space Opportunities led by Dr Christopher Graham, and Geopolitical Analysis in Space Domain Awareness Led by Dr Bleddyn Bowen, working in partnership with aXenic, Astrogate Labs UK Limited and 3S Northumbria).

All funded projects include industrial partnerships, demonstrating strong industry engagement and clear pathways to impact. Four of the seven are led by Early Career Researchers, demonstrating NESCA's commitment to developing regional talent and building the next generation of space sector leaders.

NESCA focuses on accelerating impact in resilient space communications through three key strands: innovation funding to support commercialisation, place-based activities to promote regional and national space sector priorities, and people-focused initiatives to develop space sector skills.

 Further funding rounds will be announced throughout the programme, with round two now open, closing on 2 February 2026.

NESCA encourages applications from the three partner universities which also include national industry partners and Higher Education institutions outside of the region looking to collaborate with our regional space cluster.

For more information about NESCA and future funding opportunities, email nesca@northumbria.ac.uk or visit northumbria.ac.uk/nesca

NESCA is funded by EPSRC, grant no EP/Z536301/1.