General Atomics

Cranfield University and Altair to advance use of simulation, data analytics and AI

Cranfield University and Altair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore and expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI), simulation and data analytics within the aerospace and robotics industries.



Image courtesy Altair / Cranfield University

The organisations will also support students, researchers and startups looking to harness the power of computational intelligence within these industries.

Pietro Cervellera, senior vice president of aerospace and defence, Altair, said: "Cranfield University is a proven leader and innovator in aerospace and beyond.

"This MoU is just the first step in developing new breakthroughs and helping organisations of all kinds explore the immense power of simulation, data analytics and AI within aerospace."

Professor Antonios Tsourdos, director of AI, robotics and space, Cranfield University, said: "We’re looking forward to working together with Altair to identify ways we can integrate technologies to support students and their research projects and accelerate startups already working with Cranfield.

"We anticipate great things from our joint efforts and are delighted to work with Altair experts to drive next-generation aerospace innovation."

The agreement comes at a time when the convergence of AI, machine learning, data analytics and simulation is increasingly pivotal in developing new innovations in areas like autonomous space exploration, Earth observation, telecommunications and defence.

Cranfield University has world-renowned expertise in aerospace research and innovation. It is the only university in Europe with its own airport and runway and is the UK’s largest provider of accredited aerospace and space master’s degree courses.

Related

Why skilled returners can help meet defence job targets
Natalie Destry
Why skilled returners can help meet defence job targets
A new white paper published by STEM Returners and backed by Vice Admiral (Retd) Sir Martin Connell KCB CBE, is urging the UK Government to help bring experienced professionals back into the workforce and meet defence recruitment targets.
Royal Navy demonstrates ship-busting firepower with Naval Strike Missile and Sea Venom
Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
Royal Navy demonstrates ship-busting firepower with Naval Strike Missile and Sea Venom
HMS Portland and her embarked Wildcat HMA2 demonstrated the Royal Navy’s evolving maritime strike capabilities during the sinking of the former-USS Krakring off the coast of Scotland as part of Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026.
Aerospace Defence

30 Sep 2026

Bristol Airport funds three new projects to cut aviation emissions
Bristol Airport
Bristol Airport funds three new projects to cut aviation emissions
Chosen from a record number of applications, the projects target some of aviation's toughest decarbonisation challenges, from energy generation to alternative fuels.
Aerospace

30 Sep 2026

Why skilled returners can help meet defence job targets
Natalie Destry
Why skilled returners can help meet defence job targets
A new white paper published by STEM Returners and backed by Vice Admiral (Retd) Sir Martin Connell KCB CBE, is urging the UK Government to help bring experienced professionals back into the workforce and meet defence recruitment targets.
Royal Navy demonstrates ship-busting firepower with Naval Strike Missile and Sea Venom
Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
Royal Navy demonstrates ship-busting firepower with Naval Strike Missile and Sea Venom
HMS Portland and her embarked Wildcat HMA2 demonstrated the Royal Navy’s evolving maritime strike capabilities during the sinking of the former-USS Krakring off the coast of Scotland as part of Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2026.
Aerospace Defence

30 Sep 2026

RAF Fairford: Trump questions bail decision as five suspects released
A USAF-operated B-1B Lancer takes off from RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, on 5 June 2023. Image: USAF/Senior Airman Josiah Brown
RAF Fairford: Trump questions bail decision as five suspects released
British counter-terrorism police have released the five RAF Fairford suspects on bail as investigators continue to probe the incident.
Defence Security

30 Sep 2026

Why skilled returners can help meet defence job targets
Natalie Destry
Why skilled returners can help meet defence job targets
A new white paper published by STEM Returners and backed by Vice Admiral (Retd) Sir Martin Connell KCB CBE, is urging the UK Government to help bring experienced professionals back into the workforce and meet defence recruitment targets.
Skyrora completes hot-fire test of scaled-down orbital vehicle systems
Skyrora-hot-fire test of scaled-down orbital vehicle systems
Skyrora completes hot-fire test of scaled-down orbital vehicle systems
With its static hot-fire testing of a smaller scale version of its orbital launch vehicle, Skyrora is addressing engineering challenges and reducing technical risk, before scaling up the development of its Skyrora XL rocket programme.
Member News Space

30 Sep 2026

How Astroscale plans to remove a dead satellite from orbit
ELSA-M satellite removal spacecraft
How Astroscale plans to remove a dead satellite from orbit
Astroscale UK's ELSA-M mission will capture a retired Eutelsat OneWeb satellite and pull it towards atmospheric re-entry.
Space

30 Sep 2026

Why skilled returners can help meet defence job targets
Natalie Destry
Why skilled returners can help meet defence job targets
A new white paper published by STEM Returners and backed by Vice Admiral (Retd) Sir Martin Connell KCB CBE, is urging the UK Government to help bring experienced professionals back into the workforce and meet defence recruitment targets.
RAF Fairford: Trump questions bail decision as five suspects released
A USAF-operated B-1B Lancer takes off from RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, on 5 June 2023. Image: USAF/Senior Airman Josiah Brown
RAF Fairford: Trump questions bail decision as five suspects released
British counter-terrorism police have released the five RAF Fairford suspects on bail as investigators continue to probe the incident.
Defence Security

30 Sep 2026

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force join UK leadership programme
Back in September 2022, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Crime and Intelligence Patricia Leta and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) National Operations Evelyn Thugea, RSIPF, flew from Honiara International Airport to attend the UK College of Policing ILP course in Manchester. Photo: RSIPF
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force join UK leadership programme
The programme forms part of the UK-supported Pacific Policing Leadership Programme (PPLP), which has reached almost 400 police officers across the Pacific region.
Security

30 Sep 2026