Insider Brief
- Manchester has been selected to host the 2025 UK Space Conference, on July 16-17, 2025, at Manchester Central.
- The UK Space Agency-sponsored event aims to foster networking, business opportunities, and discussions on the future of the space industry.
- The conference location highlights the growing importance of the North West space cluster, supported by initiatives from the UK Space Agency and the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Manchester has been selected to host the 2025 UK Space Conference, bringing together professionals from across the UK space sector. Sponsored by the UK Space Agency, the event will take place on July 16-17, 2025, at Manchester Central. It aims to foster networking, business opportunities, and discussions on the future of the space industry.
The conference location highlights the growing importance of the North West space cluster, supported by initiatives from the UK Space Agency and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). This region has a rich history of space-related achievements, from early discoveries at Jodrell Bank to present-day satellite manufacturing in Manchester and space research at the University of Liverpool.
Alan Cross, Development Manager for the North West Space Cluster, noted that the region is not only rooted in historic scientific accomplishments but is also thriving today. He pointed to Manchester’s contributions to satellite manufacturing and ongoing ISS missions as examples of the North West’s role in the UK’s space ambitions.
The UK Space Conference offers a platform for the region’s institutions and businesses to showcase their innovations. Dr. Phil Carvil, Head of STFC’s North West Cluster Programmes, emphasized the significance of leveraging space technology to address 21st-century challenges and inspire future generations.
In addition to its role as a space sector hub, Manchester also boasts unique expertise in materials science and nuclear materials for space applications. The University of Manchester holds state-of-the-art equipment for simulating space conditions, and the Square Kilometre Array Observatory in nearby Cheshire represents the region’s contributions to large-scale scientific endeavors.
The 2023 conference in Belfast drew over 1,700 attendees and generated an economic impact of £1.7 million. The 2025 event is expected to build on this success, drawing attention to Manchester’s growing space ecosystem. The city is home to more than 180 organizations and over 2,300 professionals, collectively forming the North West Space Cluster.
UK Space Agency CEO Dr. Paul Bate highlighted the sector’s contribution to the UK economy, generating £18.9 billion and supporting 52,000 jobs. The conference in Manchester will focus on further collaboration and innovation within the space industry, ensuring it remains a key driver of jobs, prosperity, and technological advancement.
Image credit: UK Government
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