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When people think about the Solent, they often picture ships, ports, marinas, ferries and coastal communities.

Yet increasingly, one of the region’s most exciting growth sectors is not on the water at all.

It’s in space.

The Solent Space Economy

• Part of the UK’s largest regional space cluster
• £2.8bn annual space-sector activity across the wider South Central region
• More than £1 billion in export revenue is generated annually.
• 14,000 people are employed within the regional space sector.
• 210+ organisations involved in the Space South Central ecosystem
• More than 120 space-focused companies operate across the cluster.
• The region benefits from over 70 years of space-sector heritage.
• Home to Airbus Defence and Space Portsmouth
• Home to Space South Central headquarters
• Growing presence of companies including Tekever, BAE Systems, Viasat, Lockheed Martin, In-Space Missions, ICEYE and others
• Supported by the University of Portsmouth, University of Southampton, Winchester Science Centre and a growing STEM ecosystem
• Connected to nationally significant maritime, defence and advanced manufacturing industries

ADD SIDEBAR:

Solent Space – Companies to Watch:

Airbus Defence and Space

Tekever

Space South Central

In-Space Missions

ICEYE

Viasat

Space South Central: By the Numbers

• 210+ organisations form part of the Space South Central ecosystem.
• More than 120 space-focused companies operate across the cluster.
• Approximately 14,000 people are employed within the regional space sector.
• The cluster generates around £2.8 billion in annual space-related income.
• More than £1 billion in export revenue is generated annually.
• The region benefits from over 70 years of space-sector heritage.
• Four leading universities support the cluster, including Portsmouth and Southampton.
• The South Central region accounts for approximately £3 billion of the UK’s wider space economy.

Space South Central is the UK’s largest regional space cluster, backed by the UK Space Agency and driven by partnerships between industry and world-class universities.

Over recent years, the Solent has quietly established itself as a significant contributor to the UK’s space economy, building on its strengths in engineering, advanced manufacturing, defence, digital technology, research and innovation. Today, organisations across Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, the Isle of Wight and the wider South Central region are helping to develop technologies and skills that are shaping the future of the global space industry.

At the centre of this growth is Space South Central, the UK’s largest regional space cluster. Bringing together businesses, universities, researchers and public sector partners, the cluster is helping position the region as a centre for innovation in satellite technology, Earth observation, advanced communications, robotics, artificial intelligence and space-enabled services.

The recent relocation of Space South Central’s headquarters to the Airbus Defence and Space campus in Portsmouth further reinforces the region’s growing importance within the UK’s space ecosystem. It also highlights the increasingly close relationship between the Solent’s traditional strengths in maritime, defence and engineering and the emerging opportunities created by the space sector.

The Importance of Space to the Solent

For many businesses, space can seem distant from day-to-day operations.

In reality, space technologies already influence many aspects of modern life and commerce.

Satellite systems support navigation, logistics, communications, weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, defence operations, agriculture, infrastructure planning and maritime safety. For a region with significant strengths in shipping, ports, marine engineering and defence, these technologies are becoming increasingly relevant.

The growth of the space sector is also creating opportunities for businesses operating across software development, data analytics, cyber security, advanced manufacturing, environmental technologies and professional services.

In many cases, organisations may already be contributing to the supply chains that support space innovation without necessarily identifying themselves as part of the sector.

Businesses Driving Growth

While universities and public sector initiatives often attract the headlines, the Solent’s growing influence in the space sector is ultimately being driven by businesses.

Airbus Defence and Space’s Portsmouth campus remains one of the UK’s most important centres for satellite communications, navigation and Earth observation technologies. With a heritage stretching back more than half a century, the site continues to play a vital role in developing technologies that support both commercial and government missions.

Alongside Airbus sits a growing network of innovative companies helping to shape the future of the sector. Tekever, which has a significant presence in Southampton, is internationally recognised for its autonomous systems, intelligence-led technologies and advanced sensing capabilities. Its work demonstrates the increasing convergence between aerospace, defence, maritime security and space-enabled technologies.

The wider Space South Central ecosystem includes globally recognised organisations such as BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, ViaSat, ICEYE, In-Space Missions, Spur Electron, SSTL and a growing number of specialist SMEs operating across satellite manufacture, software, AI, robotics, communications and environmental monitoring.

For local businesses, this creates opportunities far beyond the space industry itself. Engineering firms, technology companies, manufacturers, consultancies, data specialists and professional service providers all have the potential to participate in supply chains supporting one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy.

Universities Driving Innovation

The Solent’s universities are playing a critical role in advancing research and developing future talent.

The University of Southampton recently launched the Southampton Space Institute, bringing together expertise across engineering, sustainability, policy and technology. The institute aims to address some of the most pressing global challenges through space-enabled innovation while strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and government.

Meanwhile, the University of Portsmouth continues to expand its reputation in space science, astrophysics and technology. Through research programmes, public engagement activities and industry partnerships, the university is helping inspire future generations of scientists, engineers and innovators.

Events such as Stargazing 2026 have demonstrated growing public interest in space exploration and astronomy, attracting enthusiasts, students and families from across the region.

Skills, Talent and the Future Workforce

The Solent’s growing influence in the UK space sector will depend not only on cutting-edge technology and innovative businesses, but also on its ability to attract, develop and retain future talent.

Across the region, employers are increasingly seeking engineers, technicians, software developers, project managers, scientists and digital specialists to support growth across space, defence, maritime and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Recognising this challenge, Airbus and the Solent Growth Partnership recently launched the UK’s first space and defence apprenticeship matching programme in Portsmouth. The initiative aims to connect talented candidates with local SMEs operating across engineering, technology and innovation sectors, helping strengthen regional supply chains while creating valuable career pathways for young people.

The region’s universities, colleges and training providers are also playing a vital role in developing the next generation of professionals. From research programmes and technical qualifications to apprenticeships and employer-led learning, education is becoming an increasingly important part of the Solent’s innovation ecosystem.

Equally important is inspiring future talent from an early age. Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium continues to spark curiosity through interactive exhibits, educational programmes and one of the UK’s largest planetariums. By making science, engineering and astronomy accessible to families, schools and young people, the centre helps showcase the exciting career opportunities that exist across STEM-related industries.

Together, businesses, educators and community organisations are helping create a talent pipeline that supports not only the growth of the space sector, but also the wider Solent economy. As industries continue to converge around innovation, technology and sustainability, developing future skills may prove just as important as developing the technologies themselves.

Global Impact from the Solent

The influence of the Solent’s space community extends far beyond the South Coast.

One recent example involves a collaboration backed by the UK Space Agency, bringing together experts from Portsmouth, Southampton and Surrey universities to support a new Earth observation mission for Singapore.

The project aims to utilise satellite technologies to help monitor air pollution and support climate change management, demonstrating how innovation developed within the region can contribute to global challenges.

These projects not only strengthen the UK’s international reputation but also showcase the expertise that exists within the Solent’s research and innovation community.

A Connected Future

The Solent’s success has always been built on connectivity.

Historically, the region connected Britain to the world through shipping, trade and naval capability. Today, it continues to connect industries, ideas and people through innovation, technology and collaboration.

As sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing and space technology increasingly converge, the Solent is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in shaping future industries.

For businesses, educators, researchers, students and residents alike, the growth of the space sector represents more than just scientific progress. It highlights the region’s ability to attract investment, create high-value jobs, develop future skills and compete on a global stage.

The Solent may be defined by its relationship with the sea, but increasingly, its ambitions extend far beyond the horizon.

For a region traditionally known for maritime excellence, these figures demonstrate that the Solent is increasingly becoming a significant force in one of the world’s most exciting and rapidly evolving industries.