Wales, 20th November 2025 – Space Wales, the trade association for the Space Sector in Wales, has announced that six applicants have been successful in securing funding from the Wales Space Cluster Catalyst Fund. Snowdonia Aerospace LLP, N10gled Ltd, Excelerate Technology Ltd, Space Forge, University of South Wales and Engineering Education Scheme Wales Limited (EESW) will each receive a share of the £247,000 fund to deliver their proposed projects, covering education, product innovation, and improved connectivity.
The funding which originates from the UK Space Agency, is made available through a partnership between Space Wales, the UK Space Agency and the Welsh Government. It’s being awarded to projects that help deliver on the ambitions outlined in Wales: A Sustainable Space Nation - Wales’ space strategy published in 2022.
The projects that have secured funding from the Wales Space Cluster Catalyst are:
Snowdonia Space Centre – Project “Dragon’s Nest” in support of Space Education & Training in Wales. The project focuses on space education & training in Wales and will provide Welsh schoolchildren and engineers new (and existing) to the Space industry with hands-on experience of rocketry and satellite engineering. The Space Centre is to develop the UK’s first dedicated Space Engineering and Flight Test Training Course offering practical hands-on laboratory testing of a cubesat, followed by representative flight testing via a high-altitude balloon launch using the facilities it developed across the Centre earlier in the year. The Space Centre will also host and facilitate the Welsh Heats of the national UKROC and CANSAT Competitions in March 2026.
N10gled Ltd with project ‘Accessible Quantum Constellation IOD Foundations’ (in partnership with Exotopic Ltd). This project aims to advance the development of a space-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) service that will provide a cost-effective QKD solution, enabling a wide range of businesses and public organisations to access this cybersecurity solution. This project will lay the foundations for establishing satellite production capability within Wales, leveraging the Welsh upstream space ecosystem.
Excelerate Technology Ltd with project ‘Field Connex’ (in partnership with University of South Wales). This project is an early-stage collaboration to explore and clarify requirements for in-field connectivity for social care providers, specifically when travelling and working in patient or care homes. The study outcome will be a development roadmap to deliver the technology and service that fits the requirements specifically of this sector.
Space Forge with project ‘Space Forge Expanse’. Space Forge is developing globally-unique capabilities in semiconductor substrate production. This project is to expand this potential in two areas: for discrete device characterisation for demonstrating Space Forge’s technologies in key verticals such as defence and data, and to leverage these developments for expanding Space Forge’s export opportunities identified in Europe.
University of South Wales with project ‘Introduction to Space: Inspiring awareness and Skills for Wales’ Future Workforce’ In line with the Wales and UK Space Policies, this CPD programme aims to raise awareness of the growing importance of space sector and the wide range of opportunities it offers.
Engineering Education Scheme Wales Limited (EESW) with project ‘Cube/Nanocube Satellite Challenge’. The Cube/Nanocube Satellite Challenge enables students to design, build and test a prototype Cube/Nanocube satellite through a hands-on, end-to-end mission project that inspires future careers in space and engineering. The project aims to engage five schools and around 200 students across South Wales, develop a network of space-skilled educators, and showcase pupil-built CubeSats, concluding in a launch to the high atmosphere.
Antonia Yendell, Head of Space Ecosystem Development at UK Space Agency, commented: “Wales is home to a dynamic and fast-growing space sector. The UK Space Agency, working in partnership with the Welsh government and Space Wales, is investing in innovative projects that will progress the ambitions of Wales’ Space Strategy, as well as drive economic growth, develop capabilities aligned to Welsh sector strengths, and create new opportunities for people to join the UK’s space workforce – harnessing the unique contributions Wales can make to the UK’s national and connected space ecosystem.”
John Whalley, CEO, Space Wales added: “We’re proud to see such a diverse range of projects coming forward from across Wales, from education and skills development to cutting-edge innovation. These initiatives show the depth of talent and ambition that exists within the Welsh space community. By working closely with the UK Space Agency and Welsh Government, we’re helping to turn that ambition into real-world impact, building a sustainable and globally recognised space sector that creates opportunities and inspiration across the whole of Wales.”
Space Wales and the organisations that have secured funding from the Wales Space Cluster Catalyst will be at the Space Tech Expo in Bremen from 18th – 20th November. Visit the Welsh space sector on booth A19.
The funding which originates from the UK Space Agency, is made available through a partnership between Space Wales, the UK Space Agency and the Welsh Government. It’s being awarded to projects that help deliver on the ambitions outlined in Wales: A Sustainable Space Nation - Wales’ space strategy published in 2022.
The projects that have secured funding from the Wales Space Cluster Catalyst are:
Snowdonia Space Centre – Project “Dragon’s Nest” in support of Space Education & Training in Wales. The project focuses on space education & training in Wales and will provide Welsh schoolchildren and engineers new (and existing) to the Space industry with hands-on experience of rocketry and satellite engineering. The Space Centre is to develop the UK’s first dedicated Space Engineering and Flight Test Training Course offering practical hands-on laboratory testing of a cubesat, followed by representative flight testing via a high-altitude balloon launch using the facilities it developed across the Centre earlier in the year. The Space Centre will also host and facilitate the Welsh Heats of the national UKROC and CANSAT Competitions in March 2026.
N10gled Ltd with project ‘Accessible Quantum Constellation IOD Foundations’ (in partnership with Exotopic Ltd). This project aims to advance the development of a space-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) service that will provide a cost-effective QKD solution, enabling a wide range of businesses and public organisations to access this cybersecurity solution. This project will lay the foundations for establishing satellite production capability within Wales, leveraging the Welsh upstream space ecosystem.
Excelerate Technology Ltd with project ‘Field Connex’ (in partnership with University of South Wales). This project is an early-stage collaboration to explore and clarify requirements for in-field connectivity for social care providers, specifically when travelling and working in patient or care homes. The study outcome will be a development roadmap to deliver the technology and service that fits the requirements specifically of this sector.
Space Forge with project ‘Space Forge Expanse’. Space Forge is developing globally-unique capabilities in semiconductor substrate production. This project is to expand this potential in two areas: for discrete device characterisation for demonstrating Space Forge’s technologies in key verticals such as defence and data, and to leverage these developments for expanding Space Forge’s export opportunities identified in Europe.
University of South Wales with project ‘Introduction to Space: Inspiring awareness and Skills for Wales’ Future Workforce’ In line with the Wales and UK Space Policies, this CPD programme aims to raise awareness of the growing importance of space sector and the wide range of opportunities it offers.
Engineering Education Scheme Wales Limited (EESW) with project ‘Cube/Nanocube Satellite Challenge’. The Cube/Nanocube Satellite Challenge enables students to design, build and test a prototype Cube/Nanocube satellite through a hands-on, end-to-end mission project that inspires future careers in space and engineering. The project aims to engage five schools and around 200 students across South Wales, develop a network of space-skilled educators, and showcase pupil-built CubeSats, concluding in a launch to the high atmosphere.
Antonia Yendell, Head of Space Ecosystem Development at UK Space Agency, commented: “Wales is home to a dynamic and fast-growing space sector. The UK Space Agency, working in partnership with the Welsh government and Space Wales, is investing in innovative projects that will progress the ambitions of Wales’ Space Strategy, as well as drive economic growth, develop capabilities aligned to Welsh sector strengths, and create new opportunities for people to join the UK’s space workforce – harnessing the unique contributions Wales can make to the UK’s national and connected space ecosystem.”
John Whalley, CEO, Space Wales added: “We’re proud to see such a diverse range of projects coming forward from across Wales, from education and skills development to cutting-edge innovation. These initiatives show the depth of talent and ambition that exists within the Welsh space community. By working closely with the UK Space Agency and Welsh Government, we’re helping to turn that ambition into real-world impact, building a sustainable and globally recognised space sector that creates opportunities and inspiration across the whole of Wales.”
Space Wales and the organisations that have secured funding from the Wales Space Cluster Catalyst will be at the Space Tech Expo in Bremen from 18th – 20th November. Visit the Welsh space sector on booth A19.
About Space Wales
Space Wales is the trade association for the Space Sector in Wales, linked closely to parent company Aerospace Wales. Space Wales works with >100 organisations in Wales that span the wide number of the nations space-related capabilities across industry and academia, including Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Defence, Earth Observation, Launch & Propulsion, Optics & Photonics and Secure & Resilient Communications.
Following the publication of the Wales Space Strategy ‘Wales a Sustainable Space Nation’ in partnership with the Welsh Government in 2021, sustainability remains at the core of Space Wales’ operations. The organisation actively promotes collaboration to champion the space ecosystem both in Wales, and across the UK.
Media Contact:
Helen Weedon
Radical Moves
helen@radicalmoves.co.uk
+44 7733 231922
Space Wales is the trade association for the Space Sector in Wales, linked closely to parent company Aerospace Wales. Space Wales works with >100 organisations in Wales that span the wide number of the nations space-related capabilities across industry and academia, including Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Defence, Earth Observation, Launch & Propulsion, Optics & Photonics and Secure & Resilient Communications.
Following the publication of the Wales Space Strategy ‘Wales a Sustainable Space Nation’ in partnership with the Welsh Government in 2021, sustainability remains at the core of Space Wales’ operations. The organisation actively promotes collaboration to champion the space ecosystem both in Wales, and across the UK.
Media Contact:
Helen Weedon
Radical Moves
helen@radicalmoves.co.uk
+44 7733 231922