New technologies for the space industry

Pivot into Space

The MAA ran a pilot Pivot into Space programme for the UK Space Agency 2023-25. This was a cross-sector innovation programme to support smaller companies in the Midlands to diversify into upstream space markets. It encompassed space manufacturing (including the design, manufacture of spacecraft, payloads, systems, subsystems, and components) as well as the infrastructure required to launch and operate them. 

Funded by the UK Space Agency, Pivot into Space was one of 18 projects that formed part of a £6.5 million support package designed to boost the space sector across the UK by funding high-impact, locally-led schemes and space cluster development managers. 

The aim

The space sector has grown four times faster than the broader UK economy over the last decade and is valued at £18 billion with 49,000 people employed in high-productivity jobs. The government’s recent National Space Strategy sets out the long-term vision for how the UK can establish itself as one of the most attractive and innovative space economies in the world. 

As the manufacturing heartland of the UK, the Midlands is home to a supercluster of companies with a wealth of capabilities and technologies that are required by the growing space sector. Pivot into Space sought to facilitate the transition of much-needed capabilities into the space sector supply chain by supporting smaller companies to: 

• Learn about the space sector.
• Gain insights into customer requirements and regional R&D assets.
• Access grant funding and support for innovation projects.

The approach

As part of the Pivot into Space project, Midlands companies had the opportunity to apply for grants of up to £50,000 for innovation projects, and benefit from a range of non-financial support packages too. 

• Engaging with space customers: At the beginning of the project, the team engaged with nine space primes, tier 1s and industry bodies to understand their current technology challenges, so these requirements could be included in the application process for innovation projects. This engagement continues. Participating companies have had the opportunity to attend networking events, webinars and exclusive visits to hear from these leading organisations.
• Outreach: Early in the programme, the MAA leveraged its strong network across the Midlands, reaching out to over 1,000 companies with a view to growing the Midlands Space Cluster and attracting strong applications for space innovation projects.
• Capability mapping: Capability assessments were carried out for companies interested in the space sector. These were used to assess the companies’ readiness to engage in the space sector in terms of their technologies, capabilities and operational readiness. This activity will continue throughout the project. Participating companies will be included in a business directory on the Midlands Space Cluster website, designed to promote space businesses in the region.
• Innovation project support: Eight projects – which are currently underway – were awarded funding through a two-stage assessment process. Details can be found here.
• Knowledge sharing: The project team shared space insights at events, workshops and at the Farnborough Airshow. Participating companies also had the chance to share lessons and showcase their products, services and capabilities.

The impact

• Companies gain vital insights into the space sector: Pivot into Space proved instrumental in helping MAA members and aerospace supply chain companies learn about space and consider whether this growing sector is a good fit for their commercial strategies. Companies benefitted from insights from the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency and space primes into the technologies of interest right now, and what it takes to work in the space industry, helping them decided on their focuses.
• Companies gain confidence that they have capabilities for space: Following the capability assessments, many companies realised that they already had the capabilities required for the space sector. They now looked at developing strategies to enter the market. Networking events enabled companies to develop contacts and relationships with space academics and other space companies in the region, notably at Space Park Leicester.
• Companies are commercialising technologies for space: The nine companies that were awarded Pivot into Space grants undertook innovation projects to pivot existing technologies into the space sector with a view to commercialising them. Several identified interested customers, some of which were involved in the development process.
• The MAA’s capacity to support companies pivot into space grows: Due to the growth of the space sector, the MAA’s team developed new expertise in space technologies, space markets and the space industry more generally. The technology team now has additional insights to share with the MAA members and supply chain companies they are supporting in the aerospace sector.

Space Ecosystem Commercialisation Programme (SECP)

The MAA ran SECP in 2025-26, working with space clusters across England. SECP offered small space companies rapid R&D grants and expert support from local space clusters. Participating companies were able to develop new technologies for the space industry and unlock commercial opportunities.

The progreamme was part-funded by the UK Space Agency. Find out more on the Midlands Space Cluster website here

For the wider work of the Midlands Space Cluster, that the MAA is actively involved in, click here and see the cluster's own website: Welcome to the Midlands Space Cluster.