The South Coast Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications at the University of Portsmouth is one of the first of six sites across the UK to launch a Space Enterprise Lab (SEL). The Satellite Applications Catapult’s network of Space Enterprise Labs open today at locations across the UK, providing users with access to the latest collaborative technology, resources and expertise. 

In response to the changing needs of organisations to engage and collaborate virtually with organisations beyond their locality, the roll out of the Space Enterprise Labs is a new evolution in response to the way in which we now all work, democratising access to the space sector regardless of your location. The Space Enterprise Labs work in collaboration with existing space organisations and academic institutions across the country. 

The Space Enterprise Labs are modular physical spaces for innovation that are digitally inclusive. Located across the country, the Space Enterprise Labs will become operational from September 2021, and will provide users with Zoom licenses, virtual reality headsets and access to Microsoft Surface Hubs as well as a modern, professional and safe working environment. 

These unique facilities embrace the new hybrid way in which we all now engage, while also offering a safe and secure environment to foster UK-wide space innovation and discussion

Lucy Edge, Chief Operations Officer at the Satellite Applications Catapult

The innovative and inclusive services at the Space Enterprise Labs enable the virtual delivery of meetings, business sprints, user engagement spark sessions and other services such as virtual whiteboards and built-in video conferencing, for everyone within the UK space sector to utilise. 

Portsmouth's Space Enterprise Lab is located at the Technopole within the University of Portsmouth’s Innovation Connect business estate. Here the South Coast Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications is using the space and technology provided as part of the Space Enterprise Labs initiative to support our thriving regional space community. 

Lucy Edge, Chief Operations Officer at the Satellite Applications Catapult commented: “We are delighted to be launching the Space Enterprise Labs as we continue to support the growth of the space sector across the UK. These unique facilities embrace the new hybrid way in which we all now engage, while also offering a safe and secure environment to foster UK-wide space innovation and discussion. Businesses across the UK will now be able to collaborate across a range of high-tech, high-innovation subjects, to bring ideas and customers together more effectively.” 

Space Enterprise Labs offer the very best technologies to help our growing space community access knowledge and expertise wherever it exists while providing physical space to bring our network together

Louise Butt, Business Development Manager at the South Coast Centre of Excellence in Satellite Communications

Louise Butt, Business Development Manager at the South Coast Centre of Excellence in Satellite Communications said: “The way we work together is changing and the tools we need to use must change too. Space Enterprise Labs offer the very best technologies to help our growing space community access knowledge and expertise wherever it exists while providing physical space to bring our network together.

"As part of the Satellite Applications Catapult’s regional programme, our centre acts as a gateway into the UK’s space ecosystem and Space Enterprise Labs are a vital asset in our arsenal to help boost our space-related businesses.”