Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester have signed a “landmark” agreement with the developer of the first commercial space station.
Mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham said the deal with Axiom Space is set to “unlock billions” in space-based R&D, manufacturing and economic growth.
The Memorandum of Understanding will establish a framework for collaboration in a bid to position the region as a global centre for innovation in microgravity science and space technology.
“This collaboration with Axiom Space puts us at the cutting edge of a global industry that’s predicted to be worth nearly half a trillion pounds within the decade,” said Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram.
“The Liverpool City Region has the talent, ambition, and infrastructure to lead the way, attracting investment, creating high-skilled jobs, and ensuring that space-based research delivers real-world benefits for people and businesses here on Earth.”
It’s come about following discussions between Rotherham and astronaut, Tim Peake, who’s also a strategic advisor to Axiom Space, plus meetings that Burnham had with Axiom at South by Southwest two years ago.
“This collaboration with Axiom Space is a great example of what can be done when our City Regions work together to drive growth,” added Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
“Space is one of the UK’s fastest growing sectors, and Greater Manchester is perfectly placed to lead this innovative work, with our strengths in advanced materials and manufacturing, life sciences, AI and Data.
“The expertise in our universities, digital sector, and manufacturing and engineering firms mean that we can seize this opportunity to create highly skilled, well paid jobs across our city region.”
Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services, including missions to the International Space Station (ISS), and is developing the world’s first commercial space station, Axiom Station.
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This Spring, Axiom Space will launch its 4th private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The team of 4 will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Once docked, they will spent up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory conducting science, outreach and commercial activities.
“Axiom Space is developing Space-based infrastructure that will create new markets and economic opportunities around the world,” said Tejpaul Bhatia, Chief Revenue Officer at Axiom Space.
“This includes orbital data centres that will facilitate new capabilities in telecommunications, Earth observation and data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, orbital laboratories that will unlock innovations in microgravity with the potential for scientific breakthroughs across various industries, and orbital factories that will leverage the environment of Space to manufacture pharmaceuticals and materials otherwise not possible on Earth.
“Moreover, Space-based infrastructure like orbital data centres supports terrestrial sustainability by utilising unlimited solar power, cooling, and real estate in Space, offsetting long-term strains on those limited terrestrial resources.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the UK to leverage Space-based infrastructure to empower regional economies, stimulate job creation, and boost global competitiveness.”
Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, the partnership will focus on:
Space-based communications, AI, and cybersecurity
Environmental monitoring and disaster management using satellite technology
Microgravity research in biotech and medicine
In-space manufacturing for advanced materials and new products
