- Lockheed Martin Space UK and Northumbria University signed a master research agreement for long-term space research collaboration
- The partnership supports £7.5 million in research and development over 10 years
- Initial research areas include space-based optical communications, energy, and weather and instrumentation
Lockheed Martin Space UK and Northumbria University have signed a master research agreement to establish a flexible framework for long-term collaboration on space research, technology and innovation.
What Research Will the New Agreement Support?
Lockheed Martin said Thursday the agreement will support an evolving portfolio of projects providing intellectual property protections and aligning future research with the equipment, facilities and capabilities being developed through North East Space Skills and Technology Centre, or NESST.
Individual projects will be determined on a case-by-case basis, with three initial areas of mutual research interest identified: space-based optical communications, space-based energy, and space weather and instrumentation.
These research priorities are intended to advance next-generation space capabilities, strengthen resilience in the space domain and develop technologies applicable to commercial and government missions.
What Are the Leaders Saying About the Partnership?
Robert Lightfoot, president of Lockheed Martin Space and a three-time Wash100 awardee, said the partnership combines Northumbria University’s research expertise with Lockheed Martin’s global experience and technology leadership to accelerate innovation while supporting skills development and regional economic growth.
“From our investment in NESST and collaborative research programs 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 center of excellence for space research, technology and talent development,” Lightfoot added.
Professor Andy Long, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Northumbria University, described the agreement as a significant development in the institutions’ partnership.
“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,” Long said.
What Is NESST and How Does It Support North East Space Growth?
The NESST is a joint initiative involving Lockheed Martin UK, Northumbria University and the UK Space Agency, designed to strengthen the region’s position in the UK’s space sector.
The center is expected to open later in 2026 and reach full operating capability in early 2027. It will bring together industry, academia and government to advance space technologies, develop specialist skills and build the workforce needed to support future space missions.
Lockheed Martin has committed $20 million to NESST, including $10 million for research and development with Northumbria University over 10 years.
In May 2026, Lockheed Martin UK and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness agreed to a memorandum of understanding focused on aligning investment, skills development and supply chain growth. The partnership builds on plans that could exceed $135 million in investment and potentially create about 2,000 jobs, according to Lockheed Martin.
