The North-East’s thriving space sector has led to a jobs boost in the region.

A new report from the UK Space Agency has highlighted that revealed the number of people employed in the space sector in the North East is up 12% to over 1,000.

The report also highlighted that the number of space organisations in the region is up 50% from 34 to 51, with income from the North-East’s space sector totalling £88 million.

Science Minister Amanda Solloway said: "The space industry is at the heart of our plan to level up Britain and bring new, high-tech jobs to the North of England.  As we build back better from the pandemic, the government is working with local and international space companies to deliver the investment, support and skills training that people need to build careers in Britain’s most exciting sector.”

Dr Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “It is fantastic to see our innovative space sector investing in the future through increased commitment to research and development - and to see more and more jobs being created in this exciting industry.”

The North East Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications, based at North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield, has played an important role in that growth. It champions space opportunities within the region, and connects businesses to bring new expertise into the sector.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Cabinet member for Economy and Partnerships at Durham County Council, said: "County Durham has a thriving advanced engineering sector with a growing expertise in the space sector, as shown in this report. It’s wonderful to have the hard work, expertise and ingenuity of the companies in County Durham and the wider North-East recognised by the national space industry body.

“High-standard facilities, such as that in NETPark in Sedgefield are a fantastic opportunity for companies in the sector to find space to expand while staying in the region. Along with the research and development work done by Durham University with businesses means that vital jobs are created in County Durham and, as they grow, more employment opportunities are created.”

Sarah Slaven, Interim Managing Director of Business Durham, said: “It is fantastic to see the North East firmly on the map of the UK’s space landscape. The region’s space sector has been growing over recent years and we’re delighted to see it being recognised by UK Space Agency in this report and hope it will highlight the incredible opportunities on offer in the North East. We encourage businesses to take advantage of the support on offer from the centre, as well as collaborating with other space and technology companies in the region, nationally and beyond.”

Thomas Bayat, CEO of ISOCOM, which designs components at NETPark,said: It is fantastic to be able to involved in these types of projects and to be able to help raise the profile of the North East space sector. Over the years, we have been supported by Business Durham through the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence, which has been invaluable as they connected us with similar businesses."