Space fuelled up as an engine for growth
The need for defence investment and space growth are inextricably linked – and recognised as an engine for growth
Last month, the head of the UK Space Command revealed the level of interference from Russian satellites on the UK military’s Skynet satellites, highlighting the fact that space is now a contested environment and that it is another operational domain for the MOD.
In the same month, the German Defence Secretary also revealed that they too were subject to Russian monitoring, outlining how a Russian satellite is conducting a data capture exercise against a satellite it uses for communications, an event that is taking place on a relatively frequent basis and has increased since the invasion of Ukraine.
The MOD has around half a dozen dedicated military satellites in orbit that provide both surveillance and communications. This pales when compared to the significant number of satellites owned by the USA, Russia and China.
Although the exact number isn’t known publicly, it is safe to say that the combined number of satellites from those three superpowers will run into hundreds.
Looking specifically at Russia and China, the number of satellites they own and operate has increased by as much as 70 per cent in the last decade; many of these systems are designed to conduct anti-satellite operations. Couple this with reports that Russia has been developing its capability to put nuclear weapons in space, and it is clear that the UK must prioritise fielding capabilities to combat these threats.
Resilient and survivable space systems
For the experts at Lockheed Martin, the need for governments to have resilient and survivable space systems goes hand in hand with building a thriving space economy; developing defence systems is not only essential for our protection, but is also a huge driver of economic growth.
Lockheed Martin has been investing in the technologies needed to operate in and through a contested space domain, able to counter the growing threats from sophisticated adversaries. This includes the most protected and assured military satellite communications systems that all modern military equipment relies on, as well as the capabilities needed to keep them safe when in orbit. These are the types of systems that the UK will need as it builds its military space capabilities.
This is why Lockheed Martin has committed to helping the government meet its ambitions for growing the UK space industry and develop national capabilities, leveraging the decades of heritage that Lockheed Martin has as the world’s prominent space company.
From the initial idea for a space system, through concept and on to manufacture, the aim is to ensure that the UK achieves its aim to become, according to Nik Smith, Director of Lockheed Martin Space UK, “a global player in the space industry” along with becoming “a science and technology superpower benefitting the whole of the UK.”
Ensuring there is regional economic impact has been a particular focus, with Lockheed Martin heavily committed – both financially and in terms of resourcing – to the North East.
NECA – the North East Combined Authority – has already recognised space as a focus sector where the region can thrive, in terms of both its economic assets and the opportunities to grow and develop.
Creating a pipeline of talent
The wheels to achieve this are already in motion, with Lockheed Martin investing in the game-changing NESST – North East Space Skills and Technology centre – a national space asset currently being developed by Northumbria University. Located in the heart of the University’s Newcastle city campus, NESST is the result of a £50m investment with partners also including the UK Space Agency.
When it opens in autumn 2026, this state-of-the-art centre will enable world-leading space experts to work side by side with academia, as well as provide the facilities to train the next generation of space talent who will help transform the UK’s space economy.
The timing of this couldn’t be more crucial. The UK National Space Strategy calls for rapid growth of the UK share of the global space market, with a target of growing it to a value of £50bn in the next decade.
Achieving this ambition requires a period of rapid growth, which in turn could create as many as 10,000 new jobs in the North East alone.
In preparation for NESST's launch, Northumbria University has developed several relevant degree programmes, with standard undergraduate and postgraduate routes on offer, as well as advanced practice and extended degree routes – all with the opportunity for industry placements and studying abroad.
The new Aerospace Satellite Engineering programmes, which are already open for applications, will welcome their first students in September 2026. With the UK already ranking second globally for space science, NESST will play a vital role in strengthening this leading position.
Ensuring there is a strong pipeline of talent ready to feed into the industry is also a major priority, which is why Lockheed Martin is also supporting initiatives to create this pipeline.
“We strive to inspire and engage young people, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds, with a view to encouraging them to take up STEM subjects,” said Smith.
NESST set to lead the way
Creating that passion from an early age is helped through Lockheed Martin’s Space Camp, held annually in the North East, bringing together young people with those working in the space industry to share their experiences and expertise on the opportunities that could be within the pupils’ grasp. Coupled with hands-on activities and the chance to hear from those at the cutting edge of the UK space industry, those who take part inevitably leave the week-long event with a desire to get involved.
The North East Space Skills & Technology Centre
As NESST gets closer to opening, the first major appointment has been made with David Moody CBE, an experienced space sector executive and the UK Space Command’s former Head of Space Capability, taking up the role as NESST’s Director. The appointment marks a significant move to position NESST as a key player in the UK’s National Space Strategy while driving regional economic development in the North East in line with NECA’s Local Growth Plan.
To demonstrate Lockheed Martin’s ongoing commitment to the North East, the region is one of the preferred locations being considered for their future space manufacturing facility. That facility will be scaled for the assembly of large Geostationary satellites, as well as being able to accommodate the manufacture of smaller systems and payloads.
As the global space market continues to grow – expected to reach over $1.5tn by 2040 – the Lockheed Martin UK Space business will be a hub for experts.
The company has ambitious plans for future investment in the region and the wider UK, and if they successfully come to fruition, it would lead to the manufacture of additional communications satellites – fulfilling both commercial and governmental contracts, domestically and internationally, thereby supporting the growth of UK exports and the UK’s role in global space markets.
