University space expertise helps secure £9m Space Test North investment

The University of Bradford’s growing expertise in space technology and artificial intelligence has been highlighted as a key factor behind a £9 million investment in a new satellite and space hardware testing facility in West Yorkshire.

The announcement was made during the Scale Up Bradford 2026 event held at Bradford Live, attended by Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire; Professor Gillian Murray, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford; and Ron Ruppersburg, President of MPG (Microwave Products Group) Europe, alongside business leaders from across the region.

The new facility, known as Space Test North, will be based in Keighley and is expected to become the North of England’s first dedicated radio frequency and environmental testing centre for the space sector.

The University’s Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI was cited several times during the announcement as an important part of the region’s developing space ecosystem and a significant attraction for organisations considering investment in the area.

The University and Keighley College will share around 25 per cent of the facility’s allocated time, supporting research, development, testing and professional training activities.

Announcing the investment, Ron Ruppersburg said the company’s engagement with the Bradford district had been shaped by the strength of the local space and innovation community.

He said: “When we came here, one of the things we looked at was strategy. What’s the best way to grow and help our business to flourish.”

He added: “Space Hub Yorkshire was a fundamental piece of connecting us in this community… we started to connect with Bradford University and the research and development that’s happening there, specifically to space and AI.”

The investment comes as forecasts suggest the global space economy could reach $1 trillion by 2035, creating significant opportunities for regions able to develop expertise in satellite communications, advanced manufacturing and space technologies.

Speaking at the event, Glenn McCauley, Co-founder and Board Member of Space Hub Yorkshire, said future growth would depend heavily on satellite infrastructure.

He said: “The space economy is due to hit about $1 trillion by 2035. All of that, including off-world habitation, will depend on satellites.”

Highlighting the role of the University in supporting innovation, he added: “We had a conversation about opening access to the University of Bradford, who said use of this facility would accelerate the development of products and brought to market.”

Professor Rami Qahwaji, Director of the Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI, who attended the conference and spoke with Mr Ruppersburg, said: “This will provide University with unique access to cutting edge facilities. It will help us to fulfil our mission to upskill young talent, improve the skills of the region as a whole.”

The University’s Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI was established in 2022 following a £2 million donation from alumnus Dr Murthy Renduchintala. The centre specialises in satellite communications, artificial intelligence and emerging space technologies, and is currently developing a University-designed satellite due for launch in the coming years.

The new facility is expected to strengthen the region’s growing reputation as a centre for space innovation, research and advanced manufacturing, while creating opportunities for collaboration between industry, education and the wider research community.

Image caption – top of page: (from left): Antonia Yendell, Head of Space Ecosystem, UK Space Agency, Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Kevin O’Hare, Principal, Keighley College, Professor Rami Qahwaji, University of Bradford, Ron Ruppersburg, President MPG Europe and Glenn McCauley, Co-founder and Board Member, Space Hub Yorkshire, pictured at the Scale Up Bradford event at Bradford Live on October 20, 2026. Credits: University of Bradford.