Institute for Space

Description

At the University of Leicester, science driven by discovery and challenge underlies all space-related research, engineering, and technology development. The institution's success in this field stems from nurturing the end-to-end value chain that encompasses the entire lifecycle of space systems. To further advance its research programs and opportunities, Leicester emphasizes collaboration and bridging between disciplines. The university also prioritizes internationalization by maintaining and expanding international scientific research links and key partnerships. The Institute for Space and Space Park Leicester collaborate to address pressing space sector and global sustainability challenges, with a strong focus on the relationship between Space Park Leicester and industry. Leicester also works alongside other academic units, such as the National Centre for Earth Observation, Leicester Institute for Advanced Studies, Institute for Digital Culture, Institute for Environmental Futures, and the Centre for European Law and Internationalisation.

For over 60 years, Leicester has been a pioneer in space research. Its astronomers discovered the first known black hole in the galaxy, and the institution has been involved in over 20 successfully launched space missions, with 7 instruments currently operating in space, including Chandra (NASA), XMM-Newton (ESA), Swift (NASA, UK, Italy), METEOSAT (x3), Astrosat (Indian Space Agency), BepiColombo (ESA/Japan), and the James Webb Space Telescope. Leicester also played a crucial role in Europe's first touchdown mission to Mars, and its involvement in the James Webb Space Telescope MIRI instrument will significantly enhance the understanding of the galaxy and the Universe.

Leicester's Institute for Space, headquartered at the national flagship of Space Park Leicester, is a world-leading cluster for innovative space research and innovation, with a £100m investment. The institute is building a coalition of space research groups and centres across the university, expanding its reach to include new areas of space policy and regulation. Its goal is to serve as an essential vehicle in realizing the UK, bringing in the expertise and knowledge of colleagues across the University of Leicester. Today, researchers at the Institute are pioneers across astrophysics, planetary science, Earth observation, space engineering, and space law and policy.

Research areas include:

• Astrophysics
• Planetary Science
• Earth Observation Science
• Space Engineering
• International Space Law
• Astropolitics

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No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

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University of Leicester
Leicester

Partner Infrastructures

The Leicester Institute for Advanced Studies

The Leicester Institute for Advanced Studies (LIAS) is an interdisciplinary centre of excellence. Dedicated to creating a collaborative and inspiring environment, it brings together researchers from a… read more about The Leicester Institute for Advanced Studies

Leicester

Centre for European Law and Internationalisation (CELI)

CELI brings together researchers with an interest in the fields of all aspects of European law in the widest sense and in trends of internationalisation, for example in relation to global trade or in … read more about Centre for European Law and Internationalisation (CELI)

Leicester

Institute for Digital Culture

The Institute collaborates with the culture sector to lead and adapt to the digital world by driving purposeful and useful research around digital culture. It works empathetically with cultural organi… read more about Institute for Digital Culture

Leicester