Rebecca Evernden appointed as Director of new UK Space Agency

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Rebecca Evernden has worked in space for 10 years across the UK Space Agency, DSIT and its predecessor department.

As Policy Director and then International Director at the UK Space Agency, she worked closely with ESA and the EU, led legislation enabling UK launch and served as a Trustee of the National Space Centre. At BEIS and now DSIT, she established the Space Directorate, enabled the first launch from Cornwall and developed the first National Space Strategy with MoD, working closely with ministers. Rebecca is also committed to championing diversity within the space sector, to ensure it benefits from the widest range of potential talent and expertise. 

Lord David Willetts, Chair of the UK Space Agency, said: “Congratulations to Rebecca on her appointment to this vital role. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Rebecca for many years to improve how government engages with the opportunities and challenges, that come with our growing reliance on space for economic and national security. There is no one better placed to lead the excellent teams that will combine to form the new UK Space Agency in April.” 

Rebecca Evernden said: “I’m immensely proud to have been appointed the Director of the UK Space Agency and excited to lead such a talented group of colleagues covering strategy, policy and delivery. Space has never been more important to the UK’s economy and security and the new UK Space Agency will play a vital role, working across the whole of government, in setting national direction and leading the delivery of world class science and innovation programmes. I’m looking forward to working even more closely with this brilliant sector and our international partners.”