A new space innovation hub has officially opened in Buckinghamshire, solidifying the UK’s efforts to continue to grow its space sector
The Westcott Space Hub, backed by £20 million of public and private investment, is expected to support new technology development and create up to 300 jobs over the coming years.
The Westcott Space Hub is located at Westcott Venture Park, a site with a long history of rocket engine testing, and is designed to help space companies design, build, and test spacecraft systems without needing to go overseas.
Supporting growth in the UK space sector
The Westcott Space Hub has received £5.8 million in funding from the UK Space Agency, with the remaining £15 million coming from private partners. It is led by URA Thrusters, working alongside Patrizia Hanover Property Unit Trust, Skyports Drone Services, Westcott Shared Facilities Ltd, and Buckinghamshire Council.
Covering 62,000 square feet, the Westcott Space Hub closes gaps in the region’s research and testing facilities. It will allow small and medium-sized businesses, larger companies, and universities to work together in one location, helping new ideas move more quickly from design to launch.
Facilities designed for innovation
The Westcott Space Hub includes a wide range of facilities to support space technology development.
Around 42,000 square feet is dedicated to flexible commercial space, including offices, laboratories, and workshops. One third of this space has already been taken by companies moving in.
There is also a 10,000-square-foot training centre with a 150-seat lecture hall, 15 classrooms, and a hands-on workshop. This space will be used for skills training, education, and collaboration.
Another 10,000 square feet is reserved for shared technical facilities. These include clean rooms, vibration and temperature testing areas, and advanced propulsion testing equipment. One key feature is a large vacuum chamber for testing electric propulsion engines, the only facility of its kind in the UK.
Benefits of the Westcott Space Hub
The Hub is expected to create around 100 direct jobs on site, along with an extra 200 roles supported through the supply chain. These roles will range from engineering and research to training and operations.
Buckinghamshire Council has played a key role in supporting the project, which builds on the area’s long history in aerospace and propulsion development. Local leaders say the Hub will attract new businesses to the region and provide high-skilled jobs for residents.
URA Thrusters, which develops cleaner propulsion systems for spacecraft, has already moved into one of the main Hub buildings. From Westcott, the company plans to produce flight models of two new propulsion systems, both expected to launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland in 2027.
The wider Westcott site is already home to a growing group of companies working in propulsion, robotics, autonomous systems, and communications. It also hosts the National Space Propulsion Test Facility, which is also supported by the UK Space Agency.
Part of a national investment plan
The Westcott Space Hub is one of 13 projects funded through the UK Space Agency’s Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund since 2023. Together, these projects represent nearly £90 million of combined public and private investment.
With its mix of testing facilities, training space, and business support, the Westcott Space Hub is set to play a key role in strengthening the UK’s space industry and keeping future space technology development firmly based at home.
