Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC) travelled to Florida in January to strengthen international relationships and explore new opportunities for collaboration in sustainable space research and innovation.
During Orlando Space Commercial Week (26–30 January 2026), Professor James Osborn and Senior Business Development Manager Joanne Rout met universities, space companies and innovation agencies from across the UK and United States to discuss joint activity in space sustainability, optical communications, space domain awareness and advanced instrumentation.
Durham participated as part of the Space North East England cluster. Organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade and the British Consulate in Florida, the programme brought together academic, commercial and government representatives working across the space sector.
The visit included a university and industry roundtable at the University of Central Florida, engagement with Space Florida’s Innovation Connector on the Space Coast, a visit to Kennedy Space Center, and attendance at Space Congress 2026.
Across the week, meetings explored shared research priorities, routes to industry collaboration and potential future funding opportunities.
The Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC) works across disciplines to address the sustainable exploration and use of space – connecting expertise in science, engineering, business and policy.
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