William Eichler 15 March 2022

Astronaut Tim Peake launches £100m space research hub

Astronaut Tim Peake launches £100m space research hub  image
Image: Gary Perkin / Shutterstock.com.

British astronaut Tim Peake has officially opened a new £100m space research hub in Leicester.

A project led by the University of Leicester, in partnership with Leicester City Council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Space Park Leicester will act as a base for scientists, researchers and businesses to work collaboratively.

The new research hub is forecast to contribute £750m a year to the UK space sector over the next decade and is expected to support more than 2,500 direct and indirect jobs in the East Midlands.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, passionate Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) advocate Tim Peake said: ‘Leicester has long been a key location for the UK’s space sector, and it is a real privilege to formally open Space Park Leicester just a short distance away from the National Space Centre.

‘Every successful space mission call for experts from a wide range of backgrounds to pull together and collaborate to answer bigger questions: and that’s exactly what somewhere like Space Park Leicester helps to provide.

‘I’m also excited to see this project highlighting the exciting careers available within the space sector and helping to train, educate and inspire our future generations.’

Leicester city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby added: ‘The development of this world-class facility has been made possible thanks to an outstanding partnership approach that has seen the University of Leicester working with the city council, the LLEP, the National Space Centre, Midlands Engine and others to transform immense ambition and vision into reality.

‘It is already bringing together the best academic and business minds to stimulate innovation and growth, and further paves the way for an exciting future that will reinforce Leicester’s reputation as the UK’s Space City.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner