New Space: Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses, Institutions, and Universities
A Connected Way to Create Value in Space
The New Space sector brings both opportunities and challenges, making it essential to foster strong alliances between businesses, universities, and institutions. This three-way partnership is crucial for the sector’s sustainable development and growth.
Challenges for Businesses
Companies operating in this fast-evolving sector face significant challenges. Competition is intense, with new players constantly entering the market, making it a highly dynamic environment. At the same time, rapid technological obsolescence requires continuous innovation and adaptation to stay ahead. Another critical issue is the growing skills gap. As the demand for specialised skills increases, many organisations struggle to find or upskill professionals with the right expertise.
In the UK, the University of Surrey is leading the way in professional training for the space sector, adapting educational programmes to meet industrial needs. Access to investment is another major challenge. Risk capital is crucial for startups and SMEs, yet securing funding remains difficult. Universities should play a key role, supporting companies to de-risk, mature, and become market-ready, which in turn makes them more attractive to investors. Our pioneering approach, exemplified by Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), demonstrates the power of this model.
Challenges for Universities
Traditional education is struggling to keep pace with the sector’s rapid advancements. Universities must adapt their curricula to equip students with industry-relevant skills while also providing access to specialised facilities for hands-on, advanced training. Without these changes, the next generation of space professionals will not be fully prepared to meet the industry’s demands.
Challenges for Institutions
Policymakers and regulatory bodies also face significant hurdles. Protecting critical infrastructure from emerging threats is becoming increasingly complex. Establishing clear regulatory frameworks that support growth while ensuring security is essential, and striking the right balance between public and private sector competition remains a key concern.
Opportunities in New Space
One of the most exciting opportunities lies in the creation of new business models by integrating space technology into non-space industries. Sectors like agriculture, finance, and healthcare are undergoing a revolution—unlocking innovation and delivering substantial economic value. The potential for cross-sector collaboration is vast, and those who embrace it will gain a competitive advantage in the evolving space economy.
The Key to Success: Collaboration
The New Space era demands strong collaboration between universities, businesses, and institutions. By working together, we can tackle challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring that the sector continues to thrive. The future of space is here—are we ready to embrace it?
Orbital Bridge: Your Strategic Partner
If you’re exploring Spanish or UK markets, considering a cross-border bid, or want to understand how your capabilities fit into this emerging corridor, Orbital Bridge helps you:
- map opportunities,
- build cross-border partnerships,
- shape joint proposals,
- and accelerate commercial traction.
If you’d like to explore whether the corridor could unlock new growth for you, we’d be delighted to talk.