Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • UK Space Agency CEO to step down

Space

UK Space Agency CEO to step down

Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, has announced he will leave his role in 2021

Above: UK Space Agency CEO Graham Turnock.
Courtesy UK Space Agency

Following a four year term leading the Agency, which delivers the UK’s civil space programme, Graham will step down from his position this year.

Recruitment for his successor will begin soon, and an announcement will be made in due course.

Graham said: "It has been an immense privilege to serve as UK Space Agency Chief Executive during one of the most exciting and challenging periods of the UK’s short space history. I have relished the opportunity to work with some amazing people both within the Agency and across the space sector domestically and internationally.

Advertisement
ODU RT

"However, with the end of the term of my original appointment now in sight, it is time for me to look to new horizons and for a new Chief Executive to lead the UK through its ambitious journey into space."

Science Minister Amanda Solloway said: "Graham has been instrumental in the UK’s recent successes in space. He led the UK spaceflight programme, which plans to launch the first UK satellite from the British Isles as early as 2022, and has ensured UK leadership in the decade’s most exciting global missions to the Moon and Mars.

Advertisement
ODU RT

"He was also a strong advocate for a coordinated government approach to space which led to the creation of the National Space Council last year, aiming to bring long-term strategic and commercial benefits to the UK."

Nick Shave, Chair of UKspace, said: "Under Graham’s leadership, the UK Space Agency has transformed, more than trebling in size and partnering with the sector on world-class science and technology programmes. I wish him well in his next endeavours."

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Northumbria University researchers awarded £4m to solve space radiation mystery

Space

Northumbria University researchers awarded £4m to solve space radiation mystery

14 April 2026

Researchers at Northumbria University have been awarded £4 million to unlock the secrets of Earth's radiation belts and why they behave so unpredictably – information which is crucial for protecting satellites and forecasting space weather.

ALTEN opens office in Belfast

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ALTEN opens office in Belfast

14 April 2026

ALTEN has announced the opening of its newest UK office in Belfast, marking a significant strategic expansion into Northern Ireland.

Viasat AERA enters Boeing technical evaluation process

Aerospace Space Events

Viasat AERA enters Boeing technical evaluation process

14 April 2026

During the Aircraft Interior Expo (AIX) today, Viasat announced it has entered Boeing’s technical evaluation process to assess and qualify Viasat AERA, the company’s next-gen electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal, across all current Boeing commercial airplane programmes.

Pulsar

Space

Pulsar's Sunbird set to reduce mission fuel requirements

14 April 2026

UK-based Pulsar Fusion, which is developing advanced propulsion technologies for satellite and deep-space markets, has revealed that its Sunbird fusion-powered space tug could reduce in-space propellant requirements for missions comparable to Artemis II by more than 90%, potentially reshaping the economics of deep-space exploration.

Advertisement
ODU RT
North East

Space

North East's landmark space centre reaches major construction milestone

9 April 2026

Topping out ceremony marks pivotal moment for centre backed by £50 million investment set to transform the region's space economy.

Bright Ascension software helps support AAC Clyde Space VIREON satellites

Space

Bright Ascension software helps support AAC Clyde Space VIREON satellites

7 April 2026

Bright Ascension's flight software has helped support the successful launch of two VIREON Earth observation satellites, developed by AAC Clyde Space.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner