Building the Future of Space AI: Research, Education and Innovation at Bradford

Space technologies are changing rapidly. What was once limited to large government agencies and highly specialised organisations is now becoming more accessible, interconnected, and increasingly driven by artificial intelligence. From Earth observation and satellite communications to autonomous systems and climate monitoring, AI is beginning to reshape how we explore, understand, and interact with space.

At the Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI at the University of Bradford, we are not only witnessing this transformation, but actively contributing to it through research, education, international collaboration, and industry engagement. As the Centre continues to grow, we also continue to build upon the vision and dedication of the late Professor Ifiok Otung. His contribution to the Centre and the wider space community continues to inspire our work today.

The changing face of space technology

One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the growing convergence of artificial intelligence and space technologies. Satellites are no longer just systems that collect and transmit data back to Earth; they are becoming intelligent platforms capable of processing information, adapting to changing conditions, and supporting real-time decision making. AI is now applied across satellite navigation, Earth observation, interference detection, autonomous mission planning, and next-generation wireless communications. This transformation creates significant opportunities but also brings new technical and societal challenges: future space systems will demand faster processing, more secure communications, greater energy efficiency and autonomy. Meeting these demands requires researchers able to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Space AI now spans not only aerospace engineering but machine learning, communication systems, cybersecurity, embedded systems, ethics and data science.

How we’re addressing the challenges

This interdisciplinary approach is central to how we work at Bradford, bringing together expertise from areas including satellite communications, AI, wireless systems, sensing technologies, and resilient communication networks. Over the past year, we have continued to expand our collaborations across Europe, Africa, and Asia through projects and partnerships linked to AI and space technologies. This includes collaborations with organisations such as the European Space Agency (ESA), the UK Space Agency (UKSA), Space Systems Ltd, and Spirent Communications, with academic and research partners across Nigeria, Vietnam, Spain, and China.

Our research activity has expanded considerably – external research funding is almost four times greater than last year, reflecting deliberate investment in industry partnerships and novel research ideas. Among the highlights: a funded project with SARgard on camouflage technology for drones (metamaterial-based concealment), supported by the Defence and Security Accelerator; a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Heales Innovation, using AI to enable lightweight, low-cost health monitoring devices; and continued work through EU Horizon Europe on in-flight broadband connectivity. Meanwhile, a significant ESA-supported project with Space Systems Ltd has reached its final review stages, focused on autonomous data analysis and real-time insights from Earth observation satellites. And in a milestone for the Centre, a project to send a small satellite into space has now entered the testing and verification stage.

Educating the next generation of space engineers

Education and skills development also remain at the heart of our vision. The rapid growth of AI and space technologies is creating a significant global demand for highly skilled graduates with interdisciplinary expertise, and feedback from our industry partners and the Space Sector Skills Survey 2023 has led to our new MSc in AI and Space Technology, launching in September 2026. Our graduates will leave as skilled AI and machine learning engineers who understand space systems: geospatial analysis, satellite communications, navigation, and space cybersecurity. 

Our students continue to play a major role in shaping the Centre's success. A team from the MSc Satellite Systems Engineering programme entered the 6th IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS) Student Grand Challenge and won, becoming one of five global winners in the first UK victory in the competition's history.

Our infrastructure and facilities

We continue to invest in research infrastructure and facilities to support both research and student learning. Recent developments include the completion of the Electromagnetics and Wireless Communications Lab, a dedicated Project Lab, a Restricted Satellite Measurement and Control Centre, and a refurbished Anechoic Chamber. The Centre has also expanded its specialist equipment, including satellite communication and environmental monitoring systems that support research in wireless communications, propagation modelling, and AI-enabled satellite technologies.

Beyond the university walls, we're also part of establishing a joint Space Centre of Excellence with Microwave Products Group, Bradford Council, Space Hub Yorkshire, and the UK Space Agency. Set to open in 2027, it will bring together environmental testing capability, industry training, and outreach in ways that aren't currently available across the region.

Sharing our work with the public

Outreach and public engagement remain an important part of our activities. Over the past year, we have continued working with schools, community organisations, and international partners to raise awareness of space technologies and inspire future generations into careers in science, engineering, and AI. Highlights included STEMFest 2025 in Bradford, outreach events with local schools, technical workshops on AI in small satellites, and international webinars with researchers and organisations from the Nigerian space sector. We also represented the Centre at the UK Space Conference, engaging with industry leaders, prospective students, and the wider space community.

Coming up

Looking ahead, we believe Space AI will remain one of the defining technological areas of the coming decades. AI-driven satellite systems, intelligent communication networks, and advanced Earth observation technologies will play a critical role in addressing challenges from climate change and sustainability to security and global connectivity. Universities have an important responsibility in this landscape; advancing research, educating future researchers, and fostering innovation and international collaboration. At the Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI, we are proud to contribute to this rapidly evolving field. Significant progress has been made, but this is only the beginning, and we aim to keep building a Centre that delivers meaningful academic, industrial, and societal impact in the years ahead.

Photo: Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI representatives showcasing the Centre’s research, educational programmes, and industry engagement activities at an international conference exhibition.