Alton College Unveils New Space And Satellite Hub

Alton College recently hosted an exciting launch event to introduce its brand-new Space and Satellite Hub, which will be the centrepiece of the college's ambitious Space Technologies Programme. This initiative is part of the college’s ongoing efforts to offer exceptional A Level and Vocational courses while preparing students for future careers in the rapidly expanding space industry.

Left to Right: Tobias Marchant (Space South Central), Lucinda King (In-Space Missions), Louise Butt (Space South Central), David Hewlett (The Future Business), Ashley Grute (HSDC), Keith Ryden (University of Surrey), Kathryn Graham (KISPE), Ian Raper (MSSL), Zoe Bowden (SSTL). 

The creation of the Space and Satellite Hub was made possible through a significant investment of over half a million pounds from the North Hampshire and Surrey Local Skills Improvement Fund. This funding enabled the transformation of the Beacon Science Building into a state-of-the-art learning environment, reinforcing Alton College's commitment to equipping students with the skills needed to become the next generation of industry professionals.

The launch event brought together students, lecturers, key employers in the space and satellite industry, and other important stakeholders, who enjoyed insightful presentations and exploring the new industry-standard facilities and equipment. 

Professor Suzie Imber, the event’s keynote speaker, delivered an inspiring address. As Professor of Planetary Science at the University of Leicester and a co-instigator on the BepiColombo spacecraft (set to reach Mercury in 2026), Suzie is at the forefront of space research. 

She expressed her admiration for Alton College's initiative: "I am so impressed with what you have achieved here at Alton. We often discuss the skills gap in the space sector. But it’s incredible to see a program actively addressing it. I hope this is the first of many initiatives because there is huge demand in this exciting and growing field."

In her speech, Suzie shared her passion for data, research, and space exploration, as well as her love for mountain climbing. 

She concluded with a powerful message to the students:
"Why not give it a go? That’s the spirit I want to share with you today. Opportunities will arise. You need to be bold enough to say 'OK,' and accept those challenges and opportunities because you never know where they might lead."

During the event, Ashley Grute, Assistant Principal for A Levels and Vocational Curriculum at Alton College, expressed his gratitude to the supporters and collaborators across Space South Central, who made the hub a reality. He said::

"Our mission at Alton College is to ignite students' passion for the space sector and create a local talent pipeline for the industry. The support we've received has been amazing, and what began as a discussion about filling the skills gap around 18 months ago has quickly become a reality thanks to the dedication of the space community."

The launch coincided with World Space Week, an international celebration of science and technology and their contributions to improving life on Earth.

For more information on the Space Technologies Programme at Alton College, please visit https://www.hsdc.ac.uk/home/space-technologies-programme.