(Image: University of Bradford)
A £9 MILLION investment is fuelling the launch of a major new space technology facility in West Yorkshire.
The project, Space Test North, is expected to be the first radio frequency and environmental testing centre for the space sector in the North of England and will be based in Keighley.
The University of Bradford’s expertise in space technology and artificial intelligence played a key role in securing the investment.
Professor Rami Qahwaji, director of the Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI, 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 and Keighley College will have access to around 25 per cent of the facility’s allocated time to support research, development, testing and training.
Ron Ruppersburg, president of MPG Europe, stated the decision to invest was shaped by the region’s growing space community.
He said: "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 facility is expected to strengthen the region’s reputation for space innovation and advanced manufacturing.