Lockheed Martin Space UK has reinforced its commitment to the North East after signing a Master Research Agreement with Northumbria University.
The agreement builds on Lockheed Martin’s previously announced £15m investment in the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST), including £7.5m dedicated to research and development activities with Northumbria University over the next 10 years, and marks the latest milestone in a growing strategic partnership between the two organisations.
The Master Research Agreement establishes a flexible structure through which Lockheed Martin Space UK and Northumbria University will collaborate on an evolving portfolio of research projects.
Through its £15m investment, Lockheed Martin is helping to establish NESST as a centre for space innovation, skills development and technology advancement in the North East.
The £7.5m research and development programme forms a key part of this commitment, supporting research that will accelerate innovation, strengthen regional capabilities and help develop the next generation of space talent.
Lockheed Martin UK, Northumbria University and the UK Space Agency are partnering on NESST, which is expected to open later this year and achieve full operating capability in early 2027.
Robert Lightfoot, president of Lockheed Martin Space, said: “This agreement is another example of Lockheed Martin delivering on its long-term commitment to the North East and to the future of the UK’s space sector. By combining Northumbria University’s outstanding research expertise with Lockheed Martin’s global experience and technology leadership, we can accelerate innovation in critical space capabilities while creating opportunities for skills development, collaboration and economic growth.
“From our investment in NESST and collaborative research programmes 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 centre of excellence for space research, technology and talent development.”
Professor Andy Long, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Northumbria University, added: “This agreement represents a significant step forward in our partnership with Lockheed Martin and reflects Northumbria’s growing reputation as a leading university for research, innovation and enterprise.
“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.
“As a founding member of the Defence Universities Alliance, Northumbria is committed to addressing the challenges that matter most to the UK’s future security and prosperity through world-class research, skills development and innovation. This agreement demonstrates how universities and industry can work together to deliver real-world impact, strengthen sovereign capabilities and create opportunities for the next generation of talent, while driving economic growth in the North East and across the UK.”
