The debut of a Space Hub at DSEI 2019 — the biennial defence and security exhibition taking place at ExCeL (London) 10-13 September — will offer industry specialists, visitors and the MoD an opportunity to assess the capabilities and challenges offered by the rapidly growing space sector.

The UK income from this sector currently stands at £14.8 billion — and rising.

The Aerospace Theatre and Space Hub (sponsored by Thales Alenia) will start Day 1 with a series of space-focused talks, including from ‘global intelligence platform’ Blacksky.

One new exhibitor set to appear in the Hub is GovSat, a joint venture set up by the Luxembourg government and satellite operator SES to provide secure and accessible satellite communications for governmental users.

Paul Wells, GovSat CCO, said: “DSEI is an ideal opportunity to meet with all the key global users of military Satcom to discuss how we may help them.

“We see this exhibition as a means to brief our customers and potential partners on the high-throughput and secure services that we are already providing.”

Teledyne e2v — the UK branch of Teledyne technology, focused strongly on the space sector —has expressed the hope that the new hub will allow it to branch out from its traditional defence reputation and show that they are UK leaders in the space industry.

Its image sensors are designed and built in Chelmsford and are currently used in most Earth Observation programmes.

Marketing manager Mark Bown said: “The Space Hub at DSEI will enable the event to attract a wider group of delegates with a space focus.

"This new hub provides an opportunity for those with a space interest to come along and meet, network with and learn more about those leading in this technology.”

DSEI is reputed to be the world’s largest land, sea and air defence and security exhibition, bringing together senior international trade and military experts from across the entire supply chain (www.DSEI.co.uk).

The show is organised by Clarion Events (www.clarionevents.com).