Watch this space: NI soaring to new heights in the Space sector

Space is responsible for life-changing innovations and has been the catalyst to better understanding the world we live in. It’s a significant emerging market that continues to excite and inspire academia, industry, and government. But it’s also a strategic asset to the Northern Ireland economy with the sector predicted to be worth £400 billion by 2030. We have set our sights on a sizeable £2 billion chunk of the market. An ambitious goal that affirms our position as a leading player in space exploration.

Further affirmation of our growing credentials in the sector is that Belfast played host to the 2023 UK Space Conference, the first time it has ever been held in Northern Ireland. The biennial event brought together a diverse array of individuals to our city from academia and graduates to industry professionals and manufacturers. With over 360 speakers and 115 exhibitors the UK Space Conference was facilitated by ICC Belfast which provided an excellent platform for the sector to exchange ideas, make plans, and establish crucial partnerships.

Supporting an event of this scale lets us know we are on the right track. It encourages us to continue to think ahead and work collaboratively to shape the future of space. Our endeavour matches seamlessly with our rich history of innovation and a legacy that includes the invention of the very first plane ejector seat, the first pneumatic tyre and the creation of the world's first hydro-electric tramway. With over 9,000 individuals currently working in the aerospace industry in Northern Ireland, our continued commitment to innovation, problem-solving and entrepreneurship has set us up to contribute lasting impact to the space sector.

The three key themes of the UK Space Conference – Discover, Grow and Secure – perfectly align with our region’s strengths and our ambitions. Under the theme of Discover, the focus was on exploring the potential of space, agile technology, and game-changing innovations. Northern Ireland is already recognised for its commitment to developing world-class innovative technology for the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors with global giants such as Airbus, Boeing, and BAE Systems benefitting from the region's strong engineering heritage and robust research facilities. It was revealed at the conference that Belfast-based Spirit AeroSystems will collaborate with launch-vehicle manufacturer Skyrora on orbital launch capability by building rocket launch parts.

Grow emphasised the importance of developing space ecosystems and skills capabilities and exploring the value and opportunities in data and AI. And whilst the global space industry is developing at a rapid pace, Northern Ireland is well-positioned to capitalise on this growth with access to world-class universities via the Northern Ireland Space Cluster, an extensive network of further education colleges providing excellent academic and vocational training, and a highly educated and skilled workforce.

The third and final theme Secure addressed the need for resilience by futureproofing our services and continuing to tackle challenges head-on. Here in Northern Ireland this will manifest itself in strong partnerships between academia, industry, and government to drive collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Of course, I was proud to position Belfast’s suitability to host the conference and play my part in bringing business tourism to our city. ICC Belfast provided us the opportunity to demonstrate that we can host an event of this scale and sophistication, but now as I reflect on the event, it’s clear that the conference has left a legacy. Not only did it generate an estimated £2 million in economic impact, it delivered an important opportunity to showcase our capabilities and our growing pedigree, and went a long way to cementing our future as a key player in space. Hosting this prestigious conference will be critical to maintaining momentum and heightening interest in Northern Ireland as we aim to attract investment that will bring our vision and space strategy to life.

Robert is Director of Northern Ireland Space Office, Head of the Northern Ireland Space Cluster and a member of Visit Belfast’s Ambassador Circle, a network of business and academic leaders that is critical in securing business events and conferences that to date have generated £400 million for the local economy. To find out more about joining the Ambassador Circle, contact [email protected].