Leading the pioneering Space West Cluster, Rebecca Huffee is driving efforts to establish the West of England as a recognised hub for space innovation. Inspired by local, national, and global challenges, Space West champions the region’s role in improving the economy, environment, and wider society through advancements in space technology. Hosted at the NCC, in Bristol, the cluster operates in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority, the Centre for Modelling and Simulation, the University of Bath, the University of Bristol, and the University of the West of England.
Beyond its regional impact, Space West is also leading UK-wide efforts to strengthen the resilience of the space sector. Through the CySpace Connected Capability Network, it is mobilising a cross-disciplinary ecosystem to enhance security and sustainability in space operations.
During our 2024 Guardians of the Galaxy event, Space West and CyNam cluster members came together to demonstrate the critical role cybersecurity already plays in creating a more resilient space domain.
Recently, CyNam’s Marketing Executive Daisy North travelled to Bristol to meet with Rebecca, gain her insights, and tour one of the NCC’s advanced robotic cells, showcasing how cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of space.
Space is Not a Silo
Much like cybersecurity, which is increasingly recognised as a critical cross-sector capability essential for all industries, Rebecca explained that space often seems enigmatic despite its everyday relevance.
“Take something as simple as GPS in our phones, the weather data we rely on, or even the secure communications used by emergency services and the military—these all depend on satellites in space,” she said. “What many don’t realise is that these satellites are not just essential for daily life but also critical to national security. If they were compromised by cyber threats, the impact on defence, infrastructure, and global stability could be immediate and severe.”
Her point highlights how interconnected our daily lives are with space technology and underscores the urgent need to prioritise its security.
A standout initiative spearheaded by Space West is CySpace, a national network dedicated to strengthening the resilience of the space domain. By bringing together partners from industry, academia, and government within and beyond the space sector—CySpace is mapping critical capabilities and expertise to address the sector’s most pressing vulnerabilities. This includes leveraging Gloucestershire’s leading cybersecurity expertise to develop new solutions that enhance the security and sustainability of space operations, while also influencing global policies and standards.
“CySpace works to identify and address gaps in the UK’s space cybersecurity landscape. As space technology evolves, ensuring the security of assets in orbit becomes vital—not just for the integrity of operations but also for protecting the Earth-bound benefits of space innovation.”
The future of space isn’t just about securing what we have already—it’s about enabling and creating a thriving in-space economy.
However, LEO faces a set of challenges that threaten the sustainability and security of space operations. “As more satellites are launched, we’re seeing increasing congestion, with retired satellites and debris posing serious risks of collision,” Rebecca explained. “A single impact could trigger a chain reaction, endangering critical infrastructure in orbit.”
This issue goes beyond sustainability, underscoring the importance of security and resilience in Space Domain Awareness. Understanding and monitoring activity in space is crucial to protecting assets, mitigating risks, and ensuring the long-term viability of the space ecosystem.
Collaboration with CyNam
The collaboration between Space West and Cynam exemplifies power of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Together we aim to break down silos, foster dialogue between space experts, cybersecurity professionals, and the broader tech community. By bringing these groups together, Space West and Cynam are paving the way for safer, more connected space operations.
This collaboration offers an incredible insight into the cutting-edge technologies shaping various industries beyond space, from aerospace, energy, and agriculture.
What Lies Ahead
During our visit to the NCC, Rebecca shared the key force of their innovation: advanced robotics and next-generation materials. They house KUKA Titan robots with specialist AFP and ATL heads. Put simply, these machines drastically reduce production time, turning days of manual work into a few hours with unparalleled precision. This is particularly impactful for creating lightweight, high-strength composite materials essential for sectors like aerospace and offshore renewable energy.
They’re also pioneering a circular economy for composite materials, focusing on sustainability and life-cycle analysis. These advancements are instrumental in achieving net-zero capabilities in key industries.
As these efforts continue to unfold, one thing is clear: collaboration is key. By uniting diverse expertise and fostering shared understanding, the UK’s space ecosystem is poised to lead the charge into a new era of technological and economic growth.
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This article is part one of our ‘Securing the Future of Technology’ series, showcasing how cybersecurity intersects with industries like agriculture, creative technologies, finance, and space. Developed in collaboration with Barclays Eagle Labs and Alice Violet Creative, the series highlights leaders driving transformative change in their fields. To explore the full series and discover how technology is shaping the UK’s future, visit our YouTube channel.
Watch the full series on our YouTube channel.