Sheffield Space Initiative

The Sheffield Space Initiative (SSI) is a highly cross-disciplinary space technology project that is now developing a real heritage of success for the University of Sheffield and our STEM students in particular. It aims to share knowledge and experience of this exciting industry through research-led teaching methods. SSI has now also forged partnerships with other institutions in the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and America.

We anticipate that further development of this initiative will lead to:

• Invaluable opportunities for STEM students to work together with our researchers and alumni, gaining actual real life experience of finding design solutions to aerospace challenges and transferring them skills that will make them highly employable.

• Disseminate good practice in supervision and training of students at the University of Sheffield.

• An increase in the global dissemination of our present and former students’ experience and knowledge.

• The creation of sustainable networks between the University of Sheffield, world-wide universities, and the aerospace industry.

The Sheffield Space Initiative was founded in 2017 to further engage the University of Sheffield students in the science and engineering challenges involved in the exploration of space. Currently there are 12 staff members from ACSE, MechEng, SoMaS and IPE departments involved in the SSI projects as mentors and more than 120 students from Faculties of Engineering and Sciences. 

SSI consists of five different projects all within the remit of space exploration. These projects are not only important for participating University students, but also provides an excellent opportunity for the University academics to test their ideas which can be used for grant research applications to UKRI.

In addition, the projects are excellent showcases for the University of Sheffield and departmental publicity. 

We work with:

• the world’s largest professional Engineering Institution (IET)

• UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UKSEDS)

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

• European Space Agency (ESA)

• UK Space Agency (UKSA)

• UK Rocketry Association (UKRA)

• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

• Sheffield Engineering Leadership Academy (SELA)

• Sheffield Hallam University

• Northumbria University

• Queen’s University Belfast

• Advanced Material Research Centre (AMRC)

• the University of Sheffield Space Society 

• a number of Faculty of Engineering and Science departments

• RS components

• ANSYS

• Harmonic Drive AG

• SHD Composite Materials Ltd (SHD)

• AC Composites Ltd (AC)

• Accu

The SSI inspires the next generation of space engineers and scientists. Through our collaboration with other UK HE institutes, we transfer our knowledge and expertise in student-led space research-related projects.