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Lockheed Martin Space UK Strengthens Commitment to the North East with Master Research Agreement

September 03, 2026

Lockheed Martin UK, Northumbria University and the UK Space Agency are partnering on NESST, which is expected to open later this year and achieve full operating capability in early 2027. The centre will play a key role in advancing space innovation, developing specialist skills and supporting the growth of the UK's space sector.

NESST is set to play a significant role in supporting regional economic growth by bringing together industry, academia and government to develop the technologies, skills and workforce needed for the future space sector. The centre will provide access to specialist facilities and expertise, attract investment into the region, create opportunities for collaboration with local businesses and SMEs, and develop a pipeline of highly skilled graduates and researchers. By strengthening the North East's space capabilities, NESST will help position the region as a nationally significant hub for space innovation and advanced technology.

Research Focus Areas

While the scope of individual projects will be determined on a case-by-case basis, the agreement identifies three initial areas of mutual research interest: space-based optical communications, space-based energy, and space weather and instrumentation. These areas reflect shared priorities in advancing next-generation space capabilities, enhancing resilience in the space domain, and developing technologies that can support both commercial and government missions.

Robert Lightfoot, President of Lockheed Martin Space, said: This agreement is another example of Lockheed Martin delivering on its long-term commitment to the North East and to the future of the UK's space sector. By combining Northumbria University's outstanding research expertise with Lockheed Martin's global experience and technology leadership, we can accelerate innovation in critical space capabilities while creating opportunities for skills development, collaboration and economic growth. From our investment in NESST and collaborative research programmes to our Space Camp initiative, which has inspired young people across the region for the past four years to pursue technical paths, we are proud to be helping establish the North East as a centre of excellence for space research, technology and talent development.

The Master Research Agreement further cements the deepening relationship between Northumbria University and Lockheed Martin, which extends beyond research and innovation into skills development and community engagement. Lockheed Martin's Space Camp programme has been running in the North East for the past four years, inspiring young people to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

In 2025, Northumbria University hosted a Space Camp for 60 Year 6 and Year 12 students, providing hands-on experiences designed to ignite interest in the space sector. Building on the programme's success, a further Space Camp is planned at the University in October 2026.

Following on from the MRA, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed earlier this year between North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Lockheed Martin UK to align investment, skills development and supply chain growth, bringing a more coordinated public-private approach to regional economic development across the region.

Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, said: This agreement represents a significant step forward in our partnership with Lockheed Martin and reflects Northumbria's growing reputation as a leading university for research, innovation and enterprise. Through NESST and our wider collaboration, we are creating opportunities for researchers, students and industry to work together on technologies that will help shape the future of space exploration, communications and resilience. As a founding member of the Defence Universities Alliance, Northumbria is committed to addressing the challenges that matter most to the UK’s future security and prosperity through world-class research, skills development and innovation. This agreement demonstrates how universities and industry can work together to deliver real-world impact, strengthen sovereign capabilities and create opportunities for the next generation of talent, while driving economic growth in the North East and across the UK.