New Master Research Agreement strengthens commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation

23rd September 2026

Northumbria University and Lockheed Martin Space UK have signed a new Master Research Agreement, creating a framework for long-term collaboration and reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting the growth of the UK’s space sector in the North East.

The agreement builds on a £15 million investment from Lockheed Martin Space UK in the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) at Northumbria University, including £7.5 million dedicated to research and development activities over the next 10 years. NESST, a collaboration between the two organisations and the UK Space Agency, will provide state-of-the-art research facilities, satellite testing capabilities and dedicated skills programmes, such as the University’s new Aerospace Satellite Engineering courses.

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. It provides a framework for developing and executing research initiatives, while ensuring appropriate intellectual property protections and aligning future work with the equipment, facilities and capabilities that will be available through NESST.

Partnering to advance space innovation

NESST, which is expected to open later this year and achieve full operating capacity in 2027, is set to play a significant role in supporting regional economic growth by bringing together industry, academia and government to develop the technologies, skills and workforce needed for the future space sector.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed earlier this year between North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Lockheed Martin UK to align investment, skills development and supply chain growth, bringing a more coordinated public-private approach to regional economic development across the region.

NESST will provide access to specialist facilities and expertise, attract investment into the region, create opportunities for collaboration with local businesses and SMEs, and develop a pipeline of highly skilled graduates and researchers. By strengthening the North East's space capabilities, NESST will help position the region as a nationally significant hub for space innovation and advanced technology.

caption:Robert Lightfoot, President of Lockheed Martin Space and Professor Andy Long, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University

Areas of research focus

While the scope of individual projects will be determined on a case-by-case basis, the agreement identifies three initial areas of mutual research interest: space-based optical communications, space-based energy, and space weather and instrumentation. These areas reflect shared priorities in advancing next-generation space capabilities, enhancing resilience in the space domain, and developing technologies that can support both commercial and government missions.

The collaboration between Northumbria University and Lockheed Martin Space UK also extends beyond research and innovation into skills development and community engagement. Lockheed Martin's Space Camp programme has been running in the North East for the past four years, inspiring young people to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

In 2025, Northumbria University hosted a Space Camp for 60 Year 6 and Year 12 students, providing hands-on experiences designed to ignite interest in the space sector. Building on the programme's success, a further Space Camp is planned at the University in October.

Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, said: "This Master Research 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.

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."

In July it was announced that Northumbria University had been selected as a founding member of the Defence Universities Alliance (DUA), recognising the University's strengths in research, innovation and education addressing challenges of national security, safety and resilience.

The Alliance brings together world-class UK universities committed to partnering with the Ministry of Defence, the UK Armed Forces, the Office of the Chief Scientific Advisor for National Security and the wider defence sector. The 35 founding members – alongside Universities UK – have signed the DUA Charter, committing to grow defence research, promote careers in defence and foster collaboration between academia, defence and the national security community.

Professor Long added: "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."

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