A team from the University of Liverpool attended the UK Space Conference 2025 in Manchester - the first time the University's space research has been showcased at a national space conference.
Research highlights from across the University's Faculties of Science and Engineering and Health and Life Sciences were presented, with video footage available here: UK Space Conference Highlights. Featured projects included work in space engineering, planetary defence, and microgravity research (MicroAge project).
The Department of Physics showcased its ambitious programme to uncover the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. Using a combination of high-energy collider experiments, ultra-sensitive underground detectors, and cutting-edge quantum technologies, researchers are also exploring applications of AI, machine learning, and future space-based atomic interferometer missions using signals shared between satellites.
From the Department of Geography, work led by Professor Dani Arribas-Bel on the Imago project was also featured. Imago aims to harness the power of satellite imagery to provide deeper insights into urgent challenges facing the UK.
Alongside the research showcase, Pamela Carrillo Sanchez and Nick Doran from the University's Industrial Strategy and Consultancy team supported the North West Space Cluster business stand. They promoted Liverpool's research, facilities, and space capabilities to conference delegates and industry professionals.
In addition, Dr Stefania Soldini (Associate Professor in Space Engineering and UKRI FL Fellow) and Nick Doran met with Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, to discuss the newly formed Liverpool City Region Space Partnership.
This partnership, which is chaired by Dr Soldini, brings together the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Hope University, and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
For the first time, the conference hosted a panel on asteroids and planetary defence, organised by Edward Baker, Planetary Defence Lead at the UK Space Agency. The panel highlighted the UK's growing role in planetary defence, including the work of the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) and the UK's recent entry into two UN-endorsed groups: the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG).
The panel was moderated by Dr Stefania Soldini, who shared insights from her involvement in major international missions: JAXA's Hayabusa2, ESA's Hera mission, NASA's DART mission, and the UKRI-funded REMORA project, which is developing a fleet of CubeSats to track and characterise asteroids.
Reflecting on the event, Dr Soldini said: "It was great to attend the UK Space Conference and to have the opportunity to showcase all the amazing and varied space research taking place at the University of Liverpool. The Liverpool team made some great connections at the event and we look forward to building on them."
