MIDLANDS INNOVATION SPACE GROUP SUMMARY OF EXPERTISE

® CONTENTS FOREWORD

The Midlands Innovation Space Group has been formed to foster collaboration Foreword 3 across the Midlands, and beyond, in this very important sector of the UK’s research base and the UK economy. The group represents a critical mass of Introduction 3 over 900 experts in 8 institutions that span the full capability of the UK in space, in upstream, downstream, satellite applications and space-enabled businesses. These institutions also offer a variety of relevant training courses Partner expertise 4 and host a wide range of complementary facilities that can support research Aston University 4 and development in both industry and academia. Its importance is recognised by the UK Government, as highlighted in the recent Integrated Review of University of Birmingham 4 Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy and the earlier Industrial Strategy, with the aim of Cranfield University 6 developing a £40 billion UK sector, a significant share of global activity, and 100,000 new jobs by 2030. A National Space Strategy is currently being developed. Keele University 6 To make both expertise and facilities as widely accessible as possible, we have assembled this brochure to University of Leicester 8 provide a one-stop guide, summarising the capabilities of each institution. We hope that you find it useful Loughborough University 8 as a source of information and encourage you to contact us if you need support in any area of space. University of Nottingham 10 Professor Martin Barstow Chair, Midlands Innovation Space Group University of Warwick 11

Table 1. Summary of Midlands Innovation space and space-related expertise 12

Table 2. Summary of Midlands Innovation space and space-related equipment/facilities 13 INTRODUCTION The Space sector is an important contributor to the UK Economy, delivering approximately £15 Table 3. Census of staff across the MI partnership engaged in space-related activity 15 billion per annum coupled to a strong rate of growth. Its importance is recognised by the UK Government, as highlighted in the Industrial Strategy, with the aim of developing a £40 billion UK sector, a significant share of global activity, and 100,000 new jobs by 2030. Table 4. Training opportunities – space and space-related 15 The creation of Midlands Innovation and the development of Space Park Leicester, as a regional cluster and centre of excellence in the national space infrastructure landscape, have made it timely to bring together space research, innovation and teaching interests across the Midlands Innovation partners as the Midlands Innovation Space Group. There are opportunities for partner institutions to take advantage of access to Space Park facilities and develop joint programmes associated with the new impetus for growing upstream and downstream space activity. The strong Midlands manufacturing base and expertise in modern manufacturing technologies makes a Midlands-wide grouping a natural development. This is particularly relevant to the UK Government “place” and “levelling up” agendas. The scope of space and space-related activity across the Midlands is enormous. It covers all possible aspects of upstream, downstream and space-enabled (translation of space technology into everyday applications) programmes. We have expertise in space mission design, construction and operation through to data processing, analysis and application. Working together as a consortium, we form one of the largest collections of space expertise in the world, numbering over 900 academic, research Acknowledgements and technical staff. Our region is very well placed to grow our research, enterprise and teaching activity All images in this document are courtesy of the European Space Agency (ESA), 2020/2021. in space and support economic regeneration, locally, regionally and nationally to become a significant part of the space economy. Cover images, clockwise, top left: Cosmic furnace seen by XMM-Newton (© Radio: GBT Green Bank Observatory/National Science Foundation (NSF); Optical: Subaru Tele-scope, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan/HSC-SSP collaboration; This document summarises the collective expertise of the Midlands Innovation Space Group by X-ray: European Space Agency (ESA)/XMM-Newton/XXL survey consortium). First instrument delivered for Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer – the instrument team includes scientists from University of Leicester (© SwRI). Space opera (© ESA-SJM Photography). institution. Narrative information on the specialities of each member of the Group is followed by detailed Copernicus Sentinel-6 lifts off (ESA/NASA/SpaceX). Hubble captures crisp new image of Jupiter and Europa (NASA, ESA, A. Simon appendices on the areas of expertise and the supporting facilities available from university partners. (Goddard Space Flight Center), and M. H. Wong (University of California, Berkeley) and the OPAL team; CC BY 4.0) The data also include a census of activity across the consortium by job type and a list of training opportunities available from the partners. 2 3 Image: ESA / Testing electromagnetic and gravitational radiation, We lead the UK Quantum Technology Hub: (under)ground for Mars - A team from the and of stars and the planets which appear to Sensors and Timing, one of four Hubs with the University of Leicester orbit many of them. We also study gravity itself, UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. carefully monitors the and other ultra-weak forces, using sensitive The Hub brings together experts from across the performance of a tool that could one day be experiments in the laboratory and in space. The University, and other academic and industrial part of a Mars rover. University of Birmingham Observatory, established partners working on over 100 projects valued at in 1982 as a teaching laboratory, is home to a approximately £100 million and has 17 patent Ritchey Chretien Cassegrain telescope with a applications. We are the UK lead for the Space- primary mirror of diameter of 50cm, the largest Time Explorer and Quantum Equivalent Principle optical telescope within easy reach of central Space Test (STE-QUEST) consortium, which has Birmingham and the surrounding West Midlands developed a mission concept to test aspects of region. Furthermore, the University was involved Einstein’s Equivalence Principle using an atom in the design and build of the Phasemeter for the interferometer and an atomic clock. ESA LISA Pathfinder mission. The Microwave Integrated Systems Laboratory The space environment and radio engineering (MISL) is the biggest academic research team (SERENE) group tackle the challenges faced in the UK working in radar and remote sensing. by space weather on modern society, including The group works on a range of radar technology impacts on Global Navigation Satellite Systems including passive space based radar, automotive PARTNER EXPERTISE (GNSS), HF radar, low frequency astronomy and sensors, low-THz radar, forward scatter radar, the orbit of satellites. The primary research focus MIMO technology amongst many others. of SERENE is the development of the Advanced Ensemble electron density (Ne) Assimilation Outside of dedicated research groups previously described, the University of Birmingham also has Space science at the AIPT is not developed System (AENeAS). AENeAS is the operational ASTON UNIVERSITY ionosphere/thermosphere model used by the Met research activity based around robotics in harsh yet, however is AIPT strongly involved in the environments, additive manufacturing of space The Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies Office Space Weather Operations Centre and is development of compact light sources, detectors, components, the competitiveness of satellite (AIPT), in the School of Engineering and Applied a first-principles data assimilation model of the and sensors which can be applied in space sciences. markers and the militarisation and regulation Science (SEAS), is one of the largest photonic upper atmosphere. The group’s research also of space. groups in UK, an internationally leading AIPT was very successful in the past five years investigates long-term likelihoods of extreme research centre in the field of lasers, fibre- securing funding from EPSRC, Leverhulme, space weather events. optics, high-speed optical communications and FP7/H2020. For instant currently AIPT is and nonlinear photonic technologies. The coordinating the H2020 FET OPEN MESO-BRAIN Optoelectronics and Biomedical Photonics and NEUROPA projects and participating in H2020 Group (OBPG) is part of the AIPT is currently PULSE, AMPLITUDE and RISE VISGEN projects. focused in photonics and nanomaterials, with an emphasis on the interface between these research areas and the growing life sciences UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM research at the University. The group conducts The University of Birmingham has a long history cutting-edge experimental research in a wide of research excellence in space extending back variety of compact semiconductor and solid- to the beginning of the Space Age. Historically state lasers, non-linear optics, nanostructured this has been focused on space science. materials, ultrafast optics, THz generation and More recently groups across the university Biophotonics. have emerged that have relevance to space The AIPT are fully equipped with state-of-the- applications. These include manufacturing for, art equipment including: Cleanroom; BioLab, and in, space; radio systems that exploit, or Optical spectrum analysers and monochromators are impaired by the space environment; and from 200nm to 10um. Different continuous wave quantum devices for advanced spaced based and ultrashort pulse lasers including broadly applications (i.e. timing and navigation). tunable Ti:sapphire, Cr:forsterite and fibre based Our astrophysics and space research group femtosecond lasers; Equipment for development interests span a wide swathe of astronomy and and full characterisation of semiconductor, fibre fundamental physics, including the study of and solid state lasers. galaxies and larger cosmological structures, of black holes and neutron stars, using both

Image: An ingenious dress rehearsal. © ESA / Daniel Mesples. 4 5 CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY and security applications. For communications and PNT it is the integration of these services in Cranfield University’s core expertise is other systems (for example autonomous vehicles) aerospace. Space is a strong and increasingly which has been Cranfield’s forte, and we have important axis within the breadth of aerospace access to world-class test facilities including our THE SPACE SECTOR IS AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTOR TO THE expertise, and the interplay between space airport to support this research. “UK ECONOMY, DELIVERING APPROXIMATELY £15 BILLION and the broader aerospace sector within PER ANNUM COUPLED TO A STRONG RATE OF GROWTH.” the university is a key part of our strength. Cranfield’s contributions to space science draw on Cranfield’s main space activities are in space our engineering expertise. In EO, Cranfield leads engineering and space system applications, and the Hydroterra proposal for the European Space we are making significant contributions to areas Agency (ESA), we are the astrodynamics lead for of space science. ESA’s Comet Interceptor mission, and we are a leading UK centre for the application of biosensors Space engineering at Cranfield draws on the and biotechnology to space missions (building on breadth of Cranfield’s aerospace expertise from sensor development for the ExoMars rover). hypersonic aerodynamics to manufacturing and includes emerging technologies such as artificial Postgraduate education and training is another intelligence / machine learning. Specific space significant contribution of Cranfield’s to the engineering expertise includes: UK and global space sector. Around 50% of the UK postgraduate students in aerospace are at ■ Space system engineering Cranfield, and Cranfield provides one of the ■ Autonomous systems leading European space masters courses with its MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering. ■ Ultra-precision engineering ■ Space debris mitigation technologies. KEELE UNIVERSITY As a university, Cranfield has a unique breadth and Space science at the University of Keele focuses depth in practically all disciplines of aerospace on exploitation of space data. Our exploitation technology and this resource is drawn on as activities include primarily astrophysics necessary for our space research. An example research but extends also to other topics of this is the de-orbit system technology being such as Earth observation. In astrophysics developed. We have three of our systems in orbit we operate over most of the electromagnetic (with two already deployed). The core technology spectrum, from X-ray through to radio reflects system engineering principles, and the wavelengths. Astrophysics research includes a hardware draws on expertise in satellite dynamics, strong theoretical/computational programme material science, and mechanical engineering: all and observational studies of exo-planets, applied to enable sustainable use of space and to stars, galaxies and active galactic nuclei, with create business opportunities. Cranfield’s ultra- considerable expertise with data from space- precision engineering was chosen to manufacture based observatories. the infra-red beam-splitter optical surfaces for the James Webb space telescope – now due for Earth observation is used for a wide variety launch in 2021, and a third example is the use of of research projects, such as measuring public Cranfield’s expertise in additive manufacturing to space population density in cities, the spread produce lightweight fuel tanks faster and cheaper of agricultural pests in Sub-Saharan Africa, the than is possible conventionally. response of Arctic lakes to climate change or assessing natural hazards, such as hazards related Cranfield’s research space system applications to volcanic eruptions. Therefore, our approach to includes Earth observation (EO), communications, using remotely sensed data sets bridges across the and position / navigation / timing (PNT). In each divide between the social and the natural sciences of these domains it is the application of science bringing together specialists from a range of and technology to solve real-world problems disciplines using satellite and aerial data to solve which is at the core of our research. Agriculture current and very relevant issues. yield estimates using EO have been a long-term strength at Cranfield, developed in the UK, Europe and globally – with commercial, environmental Image: Great Britain and Ireland. ©NASA Goddard. 6 7 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER This is supported by a broad electronic and Additive Manufacturing for space craft Characterisation Centre (LMCC) and a dedicated mechanical engineering programme. The X-ray structures and RF antennas. Materials Degradation Laboratory which has Space research at the University of Leicester optics programme, in recent years, has provided facilities to undertake electrochemical coatings covers a very broad range of expertise. We telescopes for three major space missions – Our world-leading systems design experience is research as well as corrosion studies in various have a cradle-to-grave approach for space BepiColombo, SVOM and SMILE. Other major coupled with expertise that can address in-service environments. missions with experience in mission design, projects supported are the MIRI instrument on monitoring and repair strategies for extended construction, test, operation, exploitation the James Webb Space Telescope (launch 2021), service life, autonomous inspection and repair The Centre for Autonomous Systems develop and data archives. All these are supported by and the Raman Laser Spectrometer on the ESA robotics for modular space craft, supported by attitude and control systems for spacecraft and a strong programme in instrumentation and ExoMars rover (2022). There is related expertise a comprehensive, advanced industrial robotics surface rovers. Additionally, our robotic assembly/ space engineering and training. in the Schools of Engineering, Informatics and laboratory, with applications including robot disassembly knowledge, coupled with machine Mathematics and Business that can support the welding, grinding, inspection and metrology, vision, can assist assembly of complex one-off Our science and data exploitation activities engineering, design and build of space systems, specialising in advanced materials innovation, space vehicles while also being applied to quality include astrophysics, space plasma physics, instruments, payloads and missions varying from extensive product design and engineering design, assurance and reducing the cost of vehicle planetary exploration and Earth observation. radiation hard by design embedded systems resources support production, inspection and manufacture/remanufacture. We have expertise In astrophysics we operate over most of the through to advanced manufacturing techniques, characterisation of functional parts in a variety in photovoltaics, solar resource modelling, solar electromagnetic spectrum, from gamma rays materials modelling, software engineering, use of materials including ceramics, metals and energy materials and tandem solar cell design. Our through to infra-red. We are also now working of artificial intelligence techniques and space plastics, Loughborough has a unique capability in solar energy and solar resource research include in astroparticle physics, with a key role in the law. This expertise is being increasing applied to engineering for extreme environments. long-term changes and trends, and tandem and Cerenkov Telescope Array (CTA), and multi- both space mission design, concepts and joint multijunction solar cells using improved materials messenger astronomy, leading searches for We have extensive expertise in the development and alternative architectures. We also work studies with industry via the Research England electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational of advanced functional surfaces for military, with human factors where our physiologists and UKRPIF METEOR research programme as part of wave detections. Astrophysics research includes aerospace and space applications. This work Leicester as well as supporting other ergonomists have expertise in environmental a strong theoretical/computational programme Space Park is supported by large volume metrology and research. extremes and protective clothing. and observational studies of gamma ray bursts, non-destructive testing capabilities to support manufacture and remanufacture of reusable Loughborough has world-leading expertise in active galactic nuclei, white dwarfs, stellar There is a long track-record of building and RF launch vehicles and parts. There is specialist . Specialisms include additive coronae, brown dwarfs and extrasolar planets. operating data centres for space missions, antenna research Our planetary science programme has a long including ROSAT, XMM-Newton and Swift. This expertise in manufacturing technologies, manufacturing of microwave components, heritage of studies of the ionospheres of the expertise along with data analysis and exploitation including additive manufacturing, joining, besides design, test and fabrication of microwave Earth and other planets, principally Jupiter and is being enhanced by contributions from composites and advanced coatings; and the antennas and lenses used in the space sector. Saturn, and extends into planetary geology and Informatics and Mathematics in “big data” and use of virtual or augmented reality to support This work is supported by a range of facilities, geochemistry on Mars and Mercury. We are part Artificial Intelligence applications via the METEOR manufacturing, including digital twin technology. including: anechoic chambers for testing of of developing plans to explore the “ice giants” programme. Training and outreach activities cover We have extensive product design and engineering antennas for use from 1GHz through to 50GHz, a Uranus and Neptune. Earth observation has the full range from primary schools through to design resources including a wide variety of vector network analyser test kit to characterise a wide-ranging portfolio including, sea surface post graduate and CPD. computer aided design simulation and analysis microwave components’ performance, equipment temperature measurement providing one of the software and multiple research laboratories to assess the microwave properties of materials, primary datasets for monitoring climate change. and prototyping facilities capable of producing, and various 3D printers capable of using a There are also strong programmes in atmospheric LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY inspecting and characterising functional parts in wide variety of materials within the additive chemistry, monitoring pollution, and land-use, a variety of ceramic, metal and plastic materials manufacturing lab and across our other research including forestry and the effect of forest fires and There are three research clusters where including ultra-high temperature ceramics for re- centres. Additive manufacturing processes and the loss of peat in ecosystems. Loughborough’s expertise can contribute to entry. technologies laboratory facilities are available upstream space technologies: Systems design such as selective laser melting, selective laser In space engineering, there is a large focus and robotic servicing for modular space craft; Space-related activity is supported by facilities sintering, stereolithography, fused filament on detector systems for instruments together Materials and manufacturing processes for that include a suite of surface analytical fabrication and material dispensing. with optical system design and X-ray optics. extreme environments; Design and Hybrid techniques provided by Loughborough Materials

Image: Antarctic sunset from Sentinel-3B. © contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2018), processed by EUMETSAT. Image: Perspective view of chaotic terrain in Mars’ Pyrrhae Regio. © ESA/DLR/FU Berlin. 8 9 UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK to direct this resource towards space technology manufacturing requirements focusing on The University of Nottingham has a broad The University of Warwick has range of research WE FORM ONE OF THE LARGEST materials and manufacturing processes range of research and development in the and development activities in space: for extreme environment as well as low- space domain, with historic strengths in COLLECTIONS“ OF SPACE EXPERTISE . Capability in materials The University’s Satellite Engineering Programme cost manufacturing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), IN THE WORLD, NUMBERING OVER applications include ceramics, polymers, WUSAT has 14 years of experience in designing, astronomy, materials and manufacturing for biomaterials, cryopreservation, diagnostics, 900 ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND building, launching and operating small satellites space, earth observation for human rights infection and glycol-biology. A particular strength TECHNICAL STAFF to European Space Agency standards. This endeavours and space biology, shaping national is low temperature science working with polymers includes training engineering students to work and international policy in these areas. to control ice formation and growth, which is to high standards of Space Systems Engineering major problem across all areas of space science Our satellite navigation and positioning assembly and repair operations, autonomous in their approach to WUSAT missions. We work (for example ice on fuel tanks), to preserving systems activities focus on satellite orbit and robotic processes, artificial intelligence and smart widely with industry and can trial research and/ biological samples for space-based research and clock modelling, GNSS receivers, orbital dynamics, integration. We complete computational full field or industrial technology on ‘proof of concept’ storing for long-term space exploration. multi-constellation precise point positioning, 3D electromagnetic simulations that are suitable missions where possible. We are also keen to applications and signal propagation. GNSS and for application to all areas of the spectrum from pursue the development of technology that can Increasing reliance on robotic activities and AI Earth Observation (EO) applications includes uses static problems through to optical frequencies assist conservation/sustainability activity where in space requires robust and secure systems. in precise orbit determination, structural health and SACAMOS, a cross platform set of Open possible, including within the Space environment Warwick research covers computational work and integrity monitoring, transport, Unmanned Air Source software tools for the development of itself, for example, minimising space debris, related to communication, security, protocols, Vehicles (UAVs) and precision agriculture. Recent cable models for satellite applications. We have developing knowledge of testing, evaluation, reliability and trust. Work that translates readily activity includes work on trans-lunar navigation system dynamics and control expertise, focussing space compliance of satellite subsystem units/ into space-based applications in both upstream and high precision GNSS. Other EO work in mainly on worst-case analysis of launcher ascent payloads, etc. for flight readiness. and downstream activities includes security of engineering involves using multi-spectral imagery, trajectories and robust control theory. Our additive sensor systems, secure software design, secure The Physics Department have extensive hyperspectral and thermal data, InSAR, and Super- manufacturing processes allow us to reduce the systems design, cyber security testing, securing track record in space-related areas such as Resolution analysis. We also use EO applications mass and thermal properties of space systems as data networks, security of autonomous systems. observational techniques, extrasolar planets, for a range of remote sensing activities. We carry well as produce novel antenna for spacecraft. An important theme is trust-based task offloading space debris and astrophysics. Warwick leads out key work on identification of hydrocarbon from resource constrained devices such as those Space system design is mainly focused (but the science preparation for the ESA PLATO and geothermal resources, detection of natural used in space systems. offshore oil seep and monitoring of ground motion not limited) on small satellites and includes mission (launch 2026). We have also developed to understand the impact of oil spills. We have mission analysis and design, satellite systems a separate activity of space debris (detection, expertise in image classification and enhancement analysis, design and implementation, AITV characterisation, orbital determination and in methods to increase data quality, including activities, in orbit operations, interplanetary the future, most likely through collaboration, optimal extraction of information relating to missions, deployment mechanisms (including mitigation through spacecraft design. We lead terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Examples innovative methods for CubeSats, PocketQubeSats the Global Network of Sustainable use of space include mapping peat conditions in South East and TubeSats) and different manufacturing (GNOSIS) which is an STFC funded network THE AIM OF DEVELOPING A technologies. We have space debris know-how connecting academics with industrial partners. “ Asia and identification of slavery locations to £40 BILLION UK SECTOR, A Space-related research include; space weather, support efforts to put an end to modern slavery. including observation and mitigation. SIGNIFICANT SHARE OF GLOBAL plasma physics, nuclear fusion, complexity, Astrophysics research focuses on cosmology and Space biology efforts include evaluating the nonlinear systems, heliospheric physics, and Earth ACTIVITY, AND 100,000 NEW extragalactic astronomy, from studies of the large- spaceflight effects on human and worm muscle climate change. JOBS BY 2030 scale structure of the Universe to understanding health, including molecular muscle experiments the formation and evolution of galaxies using the Warwick Engineering and Warwick Manufacturing on-board the International Space Station to test Hubble Space Telescope amongst other space Group have wide ranging expertise that is of if specific signals control the reproducible gene missions. We tackle these fundamental problems direct application to manufacturing of space expression changes observed in space, and to using a variety of approaches, from detailed systems and subsystems, including multiscale confirm that worms could be cultured in space studies of galaxies in the local Universe through modelling, functional materials and finite-element for long enough to reach Mars (24 generations). to evolving galaxies at intermediate redshifts and simulations. Capabilities also include power We also assess the evolution of life and molecular finally by observing the most distant galaxies electronics, radiation hardening of devices, electric evolution in space and the health effects of space in the process of formation. Complementing propulsion and satellite power supplies. There is tourism. In Astro-pharmacy, we work with the our observational effort, theoretical/numerical related activity in energy storage technologies National Aeronautics and Space Administration expertise provides the vital context for our for space and extreme environments and (NASA) to develop methods for on-demand, observational programmes, from numerical prototyping and testing of energy storage systems. on-site manufacture of biopharmaceuticals in studies of galaxy and structure formation through extreme environments. to studying the physics of the intergalactic We have considerable expertise in innovative Materials and manufacturing work include testing medium and the cosmic web. manufacturing and future materials, including silicon carbide. Major initiatives are underway materials for space, in-space manufacturing, Image: WUSAT team 10 11 TABLE 1. SUMMARY OF MIDLANDS INNOVATION SPACE AND SPACE-RELATED Area of Expertise Aston Birmingham Cranfield Keele Leicester Loughborough Nottingham Warwick EXPERTISE Space x x x x instrumentation Area of Expertise Aston Birmingham Cranfield Keele Leicester Loughborough Nottingham Warwick Advanced x x x x x Space nuclear x materials power Aerospace x x x x x x Space plasmas x x x engineering Space system x x x x design Agriculture x x x x x Telecomms x x x AI/Augmented x x x x reality Transport x x x x x Antenna x Water x x x x x Astrophysics x x x x x x Data processing x x x and informatics Defence x x x x TABLE 2. SUMMARY OF MIDLANDS INNOVATION SPACE AND SPACE-RELATED Earth x x x x x x x EQUIPMENT/FACILITIES observation/ Facilty/Equipment Aston Birmingham Cranfield Keele Leicester Loughborough Nottingham Warwick Environment 3-D scanners x x x Electronic x x x systems Additive x x x x x manufacturing GNSS x x x Advanced design x x x High x x x tools performance computing Anechoic x x x chambers In-service x monitoring and Antenna test lab x x repair Autonomous x x Laser physics x x aerobot test environment Machine vision x Autonomous x x Management x x x x vehicle test Manufacturing x x x x x ground Metrology x x x Cleanroom x x x x x Non-linear x Dynamics and x physics control lab Optics x Electronics x x x Orbital x workshop mechanics ESATAN thermal x x Photonics/ x modelling Biophotonics Glasshouse x Planetary x x GNSS recorder x x exploration GNSS simulator x x Robotic x HPC x x x assembly Laser welding x Space x economics, law Lasers x x and policy Light sources x

12 13 Facilty/Equipment Aston Birmingham Cranfield Keele Leicester Loughborough Nottingham Warwick TABLE 3. CENSUS OF STAFF ACROSS THE MI PARTNERSHIP ENGAGED IN Long beam line x SPACE-RELATED ACTIVITY Mechanical x x x x Area of Activity Aston Birmingham Cranfield Keele Leicester Loughborough Nottingham Warwick Total workshop Space 90 95 41 17 184 40 48 41 556 Mobile x programme positioning test staff lab Business 3 10 10 4 2 4 33 Multi-sensor x Development positioning testbed PhD students 40 30 10 18 115 40 48 38 339 Optical x x TOTAL 130 128 61 35 309 84 98 83 928 characterisation Staff breakdown:

Optical spectrum x ■ Aston University (Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies) : Academics=10; Researchers=70; Technicians/ analyser Engineers=5; Management/Admin=5 Photonics lab x ■ University of Birmingham: Academics=45; Researchers=30; Technicians/Engineers=10; Management/Support=10 Physiological x ■ Cranfield University: Academics=37; Technicians/Engineers=4 sensors ■ Keele University: Academics = 16; Researchers = 1 Positioning test x ■ University of Leicester: Academic=75; Researchers=71; Technicians/Engineers=19; Management/support=19 track ■ Loughborough University: Academic=20; Researchers=15; Technicians/Engineers=5 Propulsion test x ■ University of Nottingham: Academics=28; Researchers=13; Technicians/Engineers=5; Management/Admin=2 cells ■ University of Warwick: Academics=12; Researchers=3; Technicians/Engineers=16; Management/Admin=10 Soil simulation x Solar x x environment test PhD students: Surface analysis x x ■ Cranfield University: 10 space PhD students within a community of ~150 aerospace doctoral researchers tools Thermal Vac. x x TABLE 4. TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES – SPACE AND SPACE-RELATED Ultraprecision x x x machining/ metrology Training Aston Birmingham Cranfield Keele Leicester Loughborough Nottingham Warwick Vacuum bakeout x x Opportunities Vacuum coating x x Apprenticeships Vacuum test x x Undergraduate x x x x x x x Vector network x x Masters x x x x x x x x analyser Postgraduate x x x x x x x x Vibration table x x Research Wind tunnel x x x x CPD x

14 15 COLLABORATE WITH US For more information about the Midlands Innovation Space Group, or if you are interested in working with us, please contact Sue Clayton at: [email protected]

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ABOUT MIDLANDS INNOVATION Midlands Innovation is a world-class research and innovation partnership, combining the collective excellence of leading universities in the heart of the UK. We unite the power of university research with the unique strengths of Midlands industry to drive cutting-edge research, innovation and skills development.

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