The potential for space technologies to push the frontiers of terrestrial food production will be explored at a galactic agri-tech event in Norfolk.

Many farms already harness satellite technologies including GPS tractor steering and soil mapping for precision fertiliser applications, multi-spectral ground observations to assess crop performance, and tracking machinery and livestock.

But there are opportunities for space-tech to play an even greater role in agriculture here on earth - particularly with the emergence of a new "Space Cluster" for Norfolk and Suffolk.

And these will be discussed at a free event on January 26 at Easton College, outside Norwich, organised by Agri-TechE in partnership with the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

It features talks from space and satellite researchers, outlining opportunities and investment options for companies to trial new innovations which could benefit farmers.

Dr Belinda Clarke, director of Agri-TechE, said: "We have seen how innovation at the intersections of different disciplines creates new business opportunities.

"High-resolution satellite data augmented by drones is enabling early detection of changes in crop health and prediction of yield - this type of information is invaluable for risk mitigation, and is just one illustration of the practical applications of space-tech in agriculture."

Julian Munson of the New Anglia LEP chairs the Space Cluster for Norfolk and Suffolk, which was established following the launch of the UK National Space Strategy in 2021.

He said it builds on existing strengths such as the satellite ground station at Adastral Park near Ipswich, advanced materials and engineering at Lotus and Hethel Engineering in Norfolk and climate and crop science expertise at the Norwich Research Park.

Norfolk's growing space industry already includes firms such as Coltishall-based rocket developer Gravitilab, which is also behind a project to build a spaceport off the Norfolk coast. It recently secured a £400,000 grant from the UK Space Agency.

Mr Munson said: "The vision is to grow the space sector and there are significant clusters of activity across the region in sustainable agriculture, crop science, climate change, marine science, offshore wind, transport and logistics that will benefit from this.

"The proposed activity includes developing a regional satellite application hub and regional micro-gravity launch and test facility to enable testing of products in a ‘space environment’.

"The meeting will be an opportunity to discuss the plans and explore the requirements for the agri-tech sector."

The event "Space-Tech Meets Agri-Tech" will be held at Easton College from 2pm on January 26. For more information, see www.agri-tech-e.co.uk.