Astrophysicists at Liverpool John Moores University are working closer with industry to exploit the business of space data. The Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI) hosted a day of talks with SMEs at the North West Space Cluster Constellation Networking Event to explore the potential of space data.

The event was held in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Space Partnership (LCRSP) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)—part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

UK Space Agency Frames Space Data Opportunity

Two invited speakers from the UK Space Agency contributed to framing discussions on the growing importance of space data and its potential applications. Rickbir Bahia, Space Data Lead at the UK Space Agency, and Jon Hulks, Space Cluster Senior Lead at the UK Space Agency, delivered talks highlighting space data's expanding role.

During discussions, participants explored practical challenges facing SMEs, including access to high-quality data, regulatory compliance, and staff training. They also discussed how emerging technologies could support the development of innovative commercial applications in a rapidly evolving sector. "By bringing together scientific expertise and commercial experience, researchers and businesses can identify shared challenges, explore new applications for space data and develop approaches that benefit both research and industry," the ARI stated.

LJMU Builds Space Data Expertise Pipeline

The ARI will shortly launch a dedicated Master's degree in Space Data Science as part of its commitment to developing a highly-skilled workforce in the field.

Professor Ian McCarthy, Director of ARI, outlined the institution's commitment to developing the next generation of space data professionals. "Realising the full potential of space data requires both strong collaboration between academia and industry and the next generation of skilled data scientists equipped to tackle complex, data-intensive challenges," McCarthy said.

The university's educational offer includes its existing MSc in Data Science, the forthcoming MSc in Space Data Science, and the Centre for Doctoral Training in Data Intensive Science, jointly hosted with the University of Liverpool. McCarthy emphasised the importance of industry partnerships: "We are also keen to strengthen our partnerships with space companies, creating opportunities for students to gain industry experience through placements and collaborative projects that address real-world challenges."

Research Capabilities and Industry Collaboration

The ARI's research develops astronomical instrumentation and operates the Liverpool Telescope, a robotic research facility based on La Palma in the Canary Islands. Its work involves collecting, processing and analysing astronomical data.

This expertise has already led to industry collaboration. PhD researcher Ryan Roberts worked as a data scientist at Aspia Space, an Earth observation company specialising in satellite imagery analysis, to help understand how the company's models analyse satellite data. Roberts contributed to AstroPT, a project using deep learning to study galaxy images.

Professor McCarthy concluded: "By bringing together academic expertise, industry knowledge and emerging talent, we can help develop the skills and innovative approaches needed to unlock the scientific and commercial potential of space data."