UK space industry sets out vision for growth
The proposal has been written collaboratively by a wide group of contributors from across the space sector, including the Satellite Applications Catapult.
Building on the sector worth £13.7bn to the UK, with 36% of revenue from exports, the strategy focuses on four sector priorities:
Earth information services including navigation, analytics and security
Connectivity services – global connectivity anywhere from any device
In-space robotics – for science enterprise, consumers
Low-cost access to space
The SGP developed from the Innovation and Growth Strategy launched in 2010 to achieve a £40 billion space sector in the UK by 2030. The UK space sector, united in the SGP, is looking at four pillars as the strategy to achieve its targets:
1. Creation of a National Space Programme to unlock private investment
2. Creating the right environment for success by securing and building on existing strengths/market position
3. Investing in people and places
4. Continuing to drive growth from the UK’s investment in ESA, Eumetsat and EU programmes
Andy Green, Chair of the Space Sector Council and President of UKspace, said: “This sector-led strategy sets out the ambition of the companies, institutions, academics and entrepreneurs of the UK’s space sector. Space delivers tangible benefits to everyone in the UK, improving communications, travel and security amongst much else. We will build on our successful partnership with Government to create high value jobs and growth across the UK for the benefit of all. I thoroughly commend this strategy to the Government.”
Science Minister, Sam Gyimah, added: “We want the UK to thrive in the commercial space age and have committed £150 million in our Industrial Strategy to help develop advanced rocket engines, test satellites and establish spaceports in the UK for the first time. The Government will continue to work closely with the space sector to build on our significant capability and maximise the benefits of space to life on Earth, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.”
Minister for Investment, Graham Stuart, said: “Too few people are aware of the success and significance of the UK space sector or its vast potential for future growth. The Government welcomes this contribution from the UK space industry and is determined to support our emergence as a commercial space service hub with an increasing global market share backed by new partnerships in science and trade.”
Stuart Martin, CEO, Satellite Applications Catapult said: “Space is a UK success story. Since 2000, coordinated industry and government actions have trebled the size of the sector, and space now supports 14% of UK GDP – some £250bn. The sector is already recognised as a vital element of UK economic growth, but the announcement today is the start of the next stage of growth and impact for the industry.
“The Prosperity from Space document expertly reflects the views of the industry at a time when we have come so far, so quickly. It also highlights that there is so much more to do. With the support of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the UK Space Agency and the key players in our industry like UKspace, the support for this proposal truly begins the journey to a new space age for the UK.”
