Uni of Portsmouth spearheads £2.1m project to address space skills gap

A new project led by the University of Portsmouth has launched to help companies overcome the skills gap in software, data and artificial intelligence (AI) in the space sector.

The programme – entitled ‘Securing the future of space: Space Software and Data/AI CPD’ –  is one of five new projects announced by the UK Space Agency to break down barriers to opportunity in a fast-growing industry.

It will be delivered by experts from the Space South Central partnership, comprising the universities of Portsmouth, Southampton and Surrey.

Together, they’ll look to equip mid-career professionals with the expertise needed to navigate the fields of AI and data science.

Dr Becky Canning, deputy director (space) at Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, said: “Software, data, and AI development proceeds at such a rate that remaining at the forefront of the sector is challenging, yet these digital skills are critical to drive innovation and meet the objectives of the National Space Strategy.

“We recognise the importance of working closely with the sector to design bespoke, broad, and corporate strategy concepts to include in the course, ensuring that participants not only acquire technical proficiency, but also develop a deep understanding of the strategic implications of these technologies for their organisations.”

The 2023 Space Sector Skills Survey noted that the space sector’s number one skills gap is in software and data, with a 72 per cent gap.

Gaps in AI and machine learning, as well as data analysis and modelling, have also worsened since the previous survey, alongside strategy and leadership.

With support from industry experts at Orange Tree Ltd, organisers say the course will provide participants with comprehensive training in digital space and AI technologies through a combination of lectures, practical exercises and mentoring opportunities.

They will also learn how to structure and respond to space-related funding opportunities.

The course is aimed at employees already in the space sector who are looking for promotion and to fulfil critical employer gaps, as well as professionals outside the sector – particularly those from the military, engineering, defence and maritime industries who want to pivot into space.

Dr Louise Butt, director of the Space South Central regional space cluster, said: “Hampshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight have a stellar 50-year heritage of space innovation and expertise, and the range of specialisms here is unrivalled anywhere in the UK.

“Yet skills gaps, shortages and recruitment challenges are the biggest threats to South Central England’s £3 billion space sector.

“Our mission at Space South Central is to ensure that our region stays at the forefront of the UK space industry, and a significant part of that is supporting the development of training opportunities and helping employers of all sizes attract and retain the staff they need.

“By fostering collaboration between education providers and industry, we’re making it easier for appropriate training to be developed that responds directly to business needs and enables talent to thrive.”