North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST)
Newcastle upon Tyne - Science, University
A catalyst for the UK's growing space sector.
Ryder is supporting Northumbria University in the development of the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST). Based in the heart of the University’s Newcastle city campus, NESST will fundamentally transform the UK space industry.
Collaborative space breakthroughs.
In an ambitious and iconic redevelopment of the Wynne Jones building, NESST launches in 2026 to create a new national space asset, bringing together industry and academia to collaborate on internationally significant space research and technological developments.
We have supported the university in securing £50m funding, Northumbria University’s largest funding award to date. This includes £10m from the UK Space Agency and £15m from global aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, who is the principal commercial partner for the project, and £25m matched funding by the University.
Erin Peart
Former Director of Campus Services, Northumbria University
Powering the next generation of space innovation.
NESST will provide manufacturing and testing, labs, lecture theatres, PHD space, offices and collaborative spaces. NESST will also address workforce needs by supporting reskilling, upskilling, and education, providing training for highly skilled space scientists and advancing career development in the growing UK space sector.
Powering the next generation of space innovation.
The project will enable the development of the research and development infrastructure needed to make space products mission ready, accelerating their entry into commercial markets, whilst making a lasting and valuable contribution to the wider UK economy.
