Axiom Space Deal: Tim Peake Supports North West’s Role in Building Spaceships

Liverpool and Manchester could play a role in the development of future space infrastructure following a new partnership with Axiom Space.

Tim Peake, the retired British astronaut and current advisor to the US-based firm, has highlighted the potential for the North West to support advanced space technology projects.

Axiom is currently developing what is expected to be the world’s first commercial space station.

New Space Deal Positions Liverpool and Manchester as Future Space Tech Hubs

Metro Mayors Steve Rotheram (Liverpool City Region) and Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester) have signed an agreement with Axiom Space aimed at supporting the development of space technologies in both regions. The move is intended to position Liverpool and Manchester as potential contributors to the UK’s growing space sector.

Peake told BBC Radio Merseyside that the global space economy is expected to exceed $500 billion by the end of the decade. He pointed to the region’s existing industrial base and technical expertise as factors that could support its involvement in the sector.

“We’re bringing shipbuilding back to Liverpool,” he said. “It’s just spaceship building now.”

Skills and Workforce Development

Peake said the agreement could support long-term workforce development by encouraging interest in technical and engineering careers among young people.

“They’ll see a growing workforce in the region. They’ll realise they’ve got really exciting, inspirational careers to go into. The knock-on effects are going to be very beneficial for many years to come.”

Steve Rotheram thinks the agreement reflects the progress the Liverpool City Region has made in attracting investment from international companies.

“When we were growing up, going into space was the ultimate dream,” he said. “Now, people from the Liverpool City Region could be directly involved in building the next space station.”

Part of a Broader Strategy

The UK continues to expand its capabilities in the commercial space sector, with new spaceports in development and an increasing number of private sector partnerships. This latest agreement forms part of ongoing efforts to build out the country’s presence in space infrastructure and technology.

With the necessary skills and industrial capacity already in place, the Liverpool and Manchester city regions may play a supporting role in future space-related projects, as the UK works to strengthen its position in the global space economy.