In October 4th 1957, Sputnik 1 was successfully launched and entered low earth orbit. The first artificial satellite collected and relayed data for 22 days before the batteries were finally drained of power, propelling the world into a new era dominated by rapid technological advances.
More than 60 years later, we have almost 2000 active satellites orbiting the planet enabling many aspects of our daily lives. How we navigate our environment, observe our world and communicate with friends and family has been transformed by space technology.
Satellite technologies play a vital role in a wide-range of industry sectors; transforming businesses in areas as diverse as Healthcare, Media, Education, Construction, Environmental Resource Management, Tourism and Agriculture.
The potential opportunities resulting from satellite data and technologies are vast with many companies recognising the value from a range of satellites, including those focused on earth observation, GPS and communication.
Since 2000, coordinated industry and government actions have trebled the size of the space sector, which now supports 14% of UK GDP – approximately £250bn – and is set to grow.
The University proudly hosts the South Coast Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications (SCCoE), one of 3 regional Centres located across the UK supported by the Satellite Applications Catapult and the UK Space Agency, and created to help businesses and academics explore and exploit satellite technologies to truly realise the ‘possible’.
Supported by a large consortium of academic, industrial, government and third-sector partners, our mission is to promote the continued exploitation of space services in order to allow the South Coast region to gain a competitive advantage in a global market.
Working closely with businesses wanting help and advice to break into the satellite applications industry, we aim to minimise innovation risk for SMEs. We can help:
- Develop collaborative projects
- Link expertise
- Identify and attract funding
- Share information
- Provide network opportunities
We're especially keen to embed and grow satellite applications in Transport & Logistics, Autonomous Systems, and Offshore Assets while utilising cutting-edge technological developments in Artificial Intelligence, Earth Observation & Navigation, and Communications. Whatever the challenges or opportunities that lie ahead for your business, we can help.