SPPL expands next-gen space technologies portfolio
Space Professionals Partnership Ltd (SPPL) has secured a series of significant contract wins, reinforcing its position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialist consultancies in the space sector.
In 2025, the UK Space Agency selected SPPL to provide technical assurance and R&D Support to the Agency’s Office of the Chief Engineer (OCE) under Lot 2 of its new framework. Through this contract, SPPL is delivering technical feasibility studies, independent technology assessments, and expert technical oversight across priority national programmes.
An SPPL team is already mobilised under the framework, supporting a study examining the impact of large satellite constellations on dark and quiet skies – an increasingly important area for sustainable space operations.
In addition to the OCE framework award, the UK Space Agency has commissioned SPPL to lead several major studies exploring next-generation technologies and their application to space:
- Quantum technologies roadmap for space (with Quantum Technologies Associates Ltd) – this project investigates the future potential of quantum technologies within the space sector. Stakeholder workshops have taken place, with roadmap delivery planned for early 2026
- Mitigation guidelines for lunar debris (with University of Surrey) – awarded via the UK Space Agency Office of the Chief Engineer and coordinated through the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), this study explores guidelines to mitigate debris risks in the lunar environment
- Digital twin feasibility study (with systems engineering specialists Synoptix) – this study evaluates applications of digital twin technologies for space use cases, assessing both market demand and technology supply chains
AI technologies roadmap for space – this project explores how AI can enable future space missions, services and operations. The roadmap and recommendations will be delivered by March 2026
In November 2025, SPPL signed a grant agreement with the Northern Ireland Space Office (NISO) to deliver the Space Ready capacity building programme. The initiative supports manufacturing companies across Northern Ireland to position themselves as reliable supply chain partners within the growing space economy.
Andy Williams, Co-Founder of Space Professionals Partnership Ltd, said: “These contract awards represent a major step forward for SPPL and a clear vote of confidence in the depth of expertise across our associate network.
“The UK space sector is entering a critical phase – one defined by rapid technological change, new commercial models, and an increasing emphasis on sustainability, safety, and responsible operations. Our role is to bring clarity, rigour, and independent insight to help government and industry navigate that complexity.
“Looking ahead into 2026, we are focused on using our network of space experts to expand our technical due diligence offering, supporting new investors seeking to access, and participate in the growing space economy.”
Co-Founder Andy German added: “These project wins highlight what we do best at Space Professionals: supporting client projects with genuine space expertise to get stuff done. It’s a model that gives clients access to scarce space skills when they need it, at great value for money, and we think it’s a model that could permanently change the way public and private sector organisations get space resources onboard.
“And although we’re looking to grow beyond the UK in 2026, we will always be proud to contribute to our vision of making the UK the best place in the world to do space business.”
UK Space Agency Chief Engineer, Andrew Ratcliffe added: “The UK Space Agency is committed to supporting a safe, sustainable, and innovative space sector. Access to technical expertise continues to be vital for the Agency to support the assurance of our projects and inform decision-making.
“Working with Space Professionals will allow the Agency’s Office of the Chief Engineer to enhance our access to key skills and expertise and contribute valuable technical insight across several of our priority programmes. Helping us assess emerging technologies, understand their potential applications, and ensure the UK continues to build world-leading capability.”
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