Mayors sign historic agreement with Axiom Space for commercial space station

In early March 2025, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester signed an agreement with Axiom Space, an American company developing a commercial space station. This partnership follows discussions initiated by British astronaut Tim Peake, who highlighted the technological strengths in the region, including advancements in bio-engineering. The Memorandum of Understanding aims to create a framework for collaboration across various sectors, including space-based research and manufacturing, and is anticipated to enhance the UK’s role in the growing global space economy. The significance of this agreement lies in its potential to unlock billions of pounds in investment for North West England. One of the key focuses of the partnership includes developing technologies in communications, disaster management, and medical research in microgravity. The mayors emphasized that the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester are well-positioned to leverage their strengths in advanced manufacturing and life sciences for this new venture. Additionally, the plan incorporates facilities like the Liverpool City Region Freeport and the Greater Manchester Investment Zone to attract investment and enhance business interactions. This strategic approach aims to create a skilled workforce, especially for those graduating from local universities, fostering job creation in the long run. The collaboration with Axiom Space also marks a significant step towards retaining and attracting top talent in advanced sectors. As the UK aims to expand its footprint in the burgeoning space sector, the partnership highlights the region's potential to become a central player in this new era of exploration and innovation. This collaboration exemplifies a broader shift towards integrating local expertise into global space initiatives, which could significantly transform the job market and economic landscape for the area.