Nineteen Group has announced the acquisition of Space-Comm Expo Europe, an annual exhibition and conference for the global space community, from Lunar Ridge Ventures. The deal marks a significant investment in one of the world’s most strategically important growth sectors.
The UK space industry aspires to be one of the most advanced and fast-growing space sectors in the world, spanning satellite manufacturing, launch services, applications, research and downstream data services. Employing nearly 50,000 people and contributing around £7bn in GVA, the sector plays a strategic role in the economy.
We recently sat down with Dr Alice Bunn OBE, President, UKspace, to find out more about this advanced sector and the opportunities it presents to the nation’s manufacturers.
As Europe’s leading meeting place for the global space community, this strategic acquisition will support Space-Comm Expo Europe’s international growth, expanding its government and defence delegations, enhancing hosted buyer programmes, and creating more opportunities for exhibitors, partners, and visitors.
Space-Comm Expo Europe has built a strong reputation within the global space industry, positioning itself as the meeting place for one of the fastest-growing sectors.
Peter Jones, Group Chief Executive Officer, Nineteen Group
The acquisition comes as the global space economy is projected to grow from $630bn in 2023 to around $1.8tn by 2035, growing at an average of nine per cent per year – almost twice the rate of the global GDP growth driven by increasing commercial investment, defence spending, sovereign capability and rapid technological innovation.
Backed by Nineteen Group’s scale, expertise and international reach, Space-Comm Expo Europe enters an exciting new chapter. Together, the businesses will invest in exceptional people, strengthen strategic partnerships, expand international engagement, grow VIP government and defence delegations, enhance hosted buyer programmes and continue delivering world-class customer experiences that create even greater value for exhibitors, partners and visitors.
Delivered in partnership with ADS, the UK’s trade association for aerospace, defence, security and space, Space-Comm Expo Europe 2026 welcomed 6000+ delegates, 250+ exhibitors, and 190+ expert speakers, firmly positioning itself as the meeting place for the global space economy.
Regarding the acquisition, Christie Day, Managing Director, Space-Comm Expo Europe, said: “When we launched Space-Comm Expo Europe, we believed Europe deserved a world-class meeting place for the international space ecosystem. Six editions later, thanks to ADS, our partners, exhibitors and community, that vision is a reality. What makes me proudest is how we’ve built it, with resilience, innovation and belief in the opportunity ahead. Joining Nineteen Group marks our most exciting chapter yet, accelerating growth and creating greater opportunities for the industry. The countdown starts now.”
Peter Jones, Group Chief Executive Officer, Nineteen Group, said: “Space-Comm Expo Europe has built a strong reputation within the global space industry, positioning itself as the meeting place for one of the fastest-growing sectors. Nineteen Group recognises its massive potential and is proud to support its future growth as part of the newest addition to our group portfolio, backing the team as they enter this next stage of growth.”
Tom Morgan, Founder, Lunar Ridge Ventures, said: “When we invested 18 months ago, we saw the sector’s potential and the role Space-Comm could play in putting London at the heart of European space. It has exceeded expectations, is on track to grow by 200%, and forged a critical partnership with ADS. But to reach full potential, it needs scale beyond what we can offer alone. That’s why Nineteen is the perfect home.”
Joining Nineteen Group marks our most exciting chapter yet, accelerating growth and creating greater opportunities for the industry. The countdown starts now.
Christie Day, Managing Director, Space-Comm Expo Europe
Kevin Craven, CEO, ADS Group, said: “Space-Comm Expo Europe has rapidly become one of the most important events in the global space calendar, and ADS has been proud to support its delivery, creating a platform where industry, government and international partners showcase the best of our sector. As the event enters this new chapter, we look forward to working with Nineteen Group to strengthen its reach and create greater opportunities for our members.”
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