Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland recently launched the UK leg of the GALILEO Master competition in Parliament and once again declared Stevenage as the capital of the UK space industry.

Stephen launched the campaign as vice-chair of the Parliamentary Space Committee and was joined by Ed Vaisey MP, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries as well as leaders from industry and academia involved in the UK Space Industry.

Stephen said, “The UK space sector is growing at 10% a year, making it one of Britain's most successful high value and innovative sectors. Stevenage is leading the way in the UK space industry and is home of Astrium which recently won the £244 million contract from the European Space Agency for the next generation Solar Orbiter.  Stevenage has an array of other companies involved in this high technology such as Tessella, who second scientists all over the world.  I am proud to launch the UK leg of the satellite navigation competition as it will encourage innovation and create more jobs, many of which will be in Stevenage – the capital of the UK Space Industry.”

The GALILEO Master is the overall winner of the Europe-wide satellite navigation competition which is open to anyone with an idea that utilises satellite navigation, positioning or timing technology.  The aim of the competition is to encourage innovation and the application of new ideas.  Prizes include thousands of pounds of cash, business support and introductions to wider industry and funding opportunities.