UK Space Minister visits Surrey Space Institute to explore UK leadership in resilient space and digital infrastructure

Through an overarching focus on resilience, the programme highlighted Surrey’s strengths in resilient space infrastructure, including secure and robust satellite systems, in‑orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM), and space‑enabled services that underpin the UK’s economic security, defence and critical national infrastructure. The Minister also saw how Surrey’s work in advanced communications (5G/6G) and cyber security complements these capabilities, creating an integrated offer across space and digital technologies which is used by industry. 

As part of the visit, Minister Lloyd was able to get a sneak preview of Surrey’s new Space Weather Lab. The Lab builds on the University’s existing partnership with the Met Office, which seeks to enhance space weather models and deepen scientific understanding of the impact of space weather. This will be an active laboratory working with industry partners to understand and respond to space weather trends and events and thus play a key role in safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

During the visit, Baroness Lloyd toured the Surrey Space Institute’s ground station and laboratories, meeting researchers, students and representatives from innovative space companies which have benefited from support from Surrey’s space experts and used its specialist space engineering facilities. A resilience round table brought together industry partners and University academics to explore how the UK can strengthen its sovereign and dual‑use space capabilities, with a particular focus on reducing barriers for SMEs seeking to engage in defence and security markets. The companies involved highlighted the value of industrial engagement with the University of Surrey, including access to focused training for mid- and senior-level professionals, competitively priced specialist facilities and expert consultancy. 

The programme also showcased5G/6G communications and cyber security strengths, underlining the University’s role as a national asset and trusted partner for government and its agencies on resilient digital infrastructure, secure communications and space‑enabled services.  

The visit forms part of Surrey’s wider work with government, industry and regional partners to drive innovation, support high‑value clusters and develop the skills needed for the UK’s future economy.  

This follows Minister Lloyd’s contribution to the launch of the Surrey Space Institute earlier this year and provided an opportunity to explore in greater depth the Institute’s vision, strategic priorities and contribution to government objectives in defence, security and economic growth.