Wales is poised to have an increasingly influential role in the global space sector and universities will play a key part in that development.
That’s according to Dr Meganne Christian, a Reserve Astronaut and Senior Exploration Manager (Commercial) at the UK Space Agency, who is due to visit Wales.
Prior to giving a special lecture at the University of South Wales (USW) on March 5 – when she will focus on her involvement in the space programme – Dr Christian explained how she feels that Wales can capitalise on the expansion of space-related specialities and careers.
In her role as Senior Exploration Manager at the Agency, she is responsible for programmes supporting human activity in low Earth orbit, on the Moon, and on Mars. This work focuses on future-facing projects, including the transition from the International Space Station (ISS) to a new generation of commercially-operated space stations.
“These new stations will be run by companies rather than space agencies,” she said.
“It’s vital that we ensure researchers continue to have access to the facilities they need, and universities play a huge role in guiding what those facilities should look like.”
Dr Christian’s portfolio also includes oversight of space nuclear applications, as well as projects supporting astronaut wellbeing such as next-generation exercise devices designed for the forthcoming Gateway lunar station.
She said that, in Wales, organisations are already pushing boundaries around in‑space manufacturing and research.
“There’s huge potential for Welsh universities and industry to influence what comes next,” Dr Christian said. “As commercial space stations are developed in the coming decade, universities will be essential in helping define research priorities, from materials science to microgravity manufacturing.”
The UK space sector currently employs 50,000 to 60,000 people, and that number is expected to grow. And, according to Dr Christian, universities such as USW will play a critical role in training the workforce needed.
“Where universities have a strong space focus – and the University of South Wales absolutely does – that’s where our future talent will come from,” she said.
“And the sector is far broader than just astronaut roles – specialists covering engineering, design, manufacturing, R&D, mission support, data, and lots more, are needed. The opportunities are endless.”
USW contributes to the Welsh, UK and global space sector through internationally recognised research in human space physiology and astronaut health, led by Professor Damian Bailey and his research group.
This work examines how microgravity, hypoxia, and long-duration spaceflight affect the brain, cardiovascular system, and human performance, informing astronaut safety and mission planning.
Through engagement in UK, European, and wider international space biomedical research, and involvement in space-related experiments, USW strengthens Wales’s presence in human space exploration and complements the nation’s wider capabilities in Earth observation, satellite communications, and advanced sensing.
November saw USW become a partner in a £2 million project, which is one of 17 to share millions of pounds of funding from the UK Space Agency to drive the next wave of space innovation. This investment will accelerate breakthrough technologies, boost commercialisation, and reinforce the UK’s global leadership in space.
The project involving USW will see a partnership develop with two private companies – B2Space Ltd and SuperSharp Space Systems – to create a UK-led Earth observation system using high-altitude platforms with advanced sensors, satcom connectivity, and onboard AI.
Then, in December, the university became one of six applicants to have been successful in securing £247,000 funding under the Wales Space Cluster Catalyst Fund – leading on one project, and also being part of two other applications in collaboration with Engineering Education Scheme for Wales (EESW), and Excelerate Technology Ltd.
Delivering projects outlined in Wales: A Sustainable Space Nation – Wales’ space strategy, published in 2022, the USW-led project – ‘Introduction to Space: Inspiring awareness and Skills for Wales’ Future Workforce’ – will offer a CPD programme to raise awareness of the growing importance of space sector and the wide range of opportunities it offers.
The EESW partnership project will see a STEM outreach project work with 200 pupils across Wales on building Cube satellites, while the work with Excelerate Technology Ltd will provide a feasibility study on sustainable and practical connectivity solutions for rural medical and healthcare providers in Wales, including engagement with a wider portfolio of healthcare providers.
USW students are also involved in research through the University’s Rocketry Society. With students from a number of specialities, the Society members have designed, built, launched, and successfully recovered a number of rockets, have won national rocketry championships against other universities, and have been recognised for outreach activities which promote STEM and space engineering development in Wales.
Last year, the USW Rocketry Team won two national awards under the leadership of Masters student Emily Creedy and with guidance from Dr Phil Charlesworth.
Dr Leshan Uggalla, who is a Senior Lecturer and lead for Space Technologies research at USW, said the opportunities in education and business on offer from the space sector are phenomenal.
“Space is no longer a ‘good-to-have’ capability – it is a ‘must-have’ capability. Satellite-based services contribute close to 20% of UK GDP and form part of our critical national infrastructure. With sustained annual growth of around 8–9% in recent years and increasing demand for high-level technical skills, the sector presents immense opportunities for the next generation,” he said.
“The global space economy is projected to be close to £1.3 trillion or higher by 2035 and will become an even more critical element across many aspects of human life than it is today, reflecting its growing importance to the economy, national security, and everyday life.
“At USW, we are leading the way in helping to develop this sector, and the four UK Space Agency-funded projects we are currently involved in, among many others, will see us work with outside experts on not only delivering transformative technologies, but also giving those who are currently involved in the sector, or will be in the future, a greater understanding of the possibilities on offer.
“These will lead to many more highly-skilled jobs, drive innovation, and deliver benefits for both people and the businesses they run or work in. It’s a very exciting time to be involved in this rapidly expanding sector.”
“At USW, we are proud of our journey, from our heritage in mining to now actively contributing to the space sector and to the Wales Space Strategy.
“We are helping to create the next generation of space engineers, scientists, policy leaders, and innovators here in Wales, building skills, strengthening capability, and supporting the long-term, sustainable growth of the space sector across the nation and around the globe.”
