Liverpool and Greater Manchester will have 'key role in global space economy' thanks to landmark deal with Axiom Space

The North West is set to play a major role in the global space economy, following a landmark agreement between Mayor Steve Rotheram and his Greater Manchester counterpart Andy Burnham with Axiom Space - the developer of the first commercial space station.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will lay the groundwork for collaboration on space-based research, development, and manufacturing, with the aim of positioning the North West as a global hub for innovation in microgravity science and space technology.

Tech firms are investing in in-space manufacturing they say could bring about a revolution in industries worldwide. Now, the North West is poised to take a leading role in this rapidly expanding sector, which is projected to be worth £490 billion globally by 2030.

The agreement signed this week builds upon discussions between Mayor Rotheram and British astronaut Tim Peake, a strategic advisor to Axiom Space, as well as conversations between Axiom and Mayor Burnham at the South by Southwest festival in 2023.

Mr Peake has been a strong advocate for the UK's potential in space-based innovation and has supported efforts to link scientific research and commercial opportunities with UK regions, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Axiom Space, a leading provider of commercial human spaceflight services, is not only facilitating missions to the International Space Station (ISS) but also pioneering the world's first commercial space station, Axiom Station. The company is fuelling innovation and research in microgravity and crafting advanced spacesuits for lunar and low-Earth orbit missions.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpoo