Space is more than the final frontier – it is a catalyst for innovation, economic growth, and technological advancement.
The UK space sector is at the forefront of this evolution, unlocking new opportunities in research, exploration, and commercial applications.
As a leading force in this transformation, the UK Space Agency is dedicated to fostering a dynamic space ecosystem, advancing scientific discovery, and ensuring the UK remains a key player in the global space industry.
By bridging the gap between government, industry, and academia, the UK Space Agency empowers scientists, engineers, policymakers, and investors to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Growing the UK space economy
The UK Space Agency plays a crucial role in driving a dynamic and innovative space sector, which contributes £18.9bn annually to the economy and supports 52,000 jobs nationwide.
As a hub for investment, research, and technology, the agency brings together scientists, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance space exploration and technological development.
Expanding the UK space industry is vital for economic growth, scientific progress, and innovation, as space-based technologies support key sectors such as telecommunications, transportation, defence, and climate science.
By investing in satellite technology, space research, and sustainable exploration, the UK can strengthen its position in the global space economy, create high-skilled jobs, and develop solutions to pressing global challenges.
At the forefront of this progress, the UK Space Agency ensures the sector remains a driver of innovation and prosperity. Through strategic investment, international collaboration, and pioneering research, it is shaping the future of space exploration and its real-world applications.
Key priorities: Advancing the UK space industry
The UK Space Agency concentrates its efforts on eight key priorities to maximise its impact:
- Launch: Developing satellite launch services from UK-based spaceports, enabling the UK to become a global launch hub.
- Sustainability: Leading international efforts to keep space safe and accessible for future generations.
- Discovery: Supporting space science and exploration missions that enhance our knowledge of the cosmos.
- Innovation: Investing in cutting-edge space technologies that power new industries and solutions.
- Levelling-up: Expanding space-related investment and job opportunities across the UK.
- Earth observation: Using space-based data to monitor environmental changes and drive climate action.
- Low-Earth orbit services: Strengthening everyday satellite services that impact communication, navigation, and security.
- Inspiration: Engaging the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors in the limitless possibilities of space.
Pioneering space launch capabilities
The UK is rapidly emerging as a leader in small satellite and sub-orbital flight markets through its LaunchUK programme. By supporting domestic satellite launch capabilities, the UK Space Agency is creating new economic opportunities and positioning the country as a key player in the global space race.
Investing in innovation for the future
The UK Space Agency funds multiple innovation programmes to propel the UK space industry forward:
- National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP): Co-funding high-risk, high-reward projects with strong market potential.
- Enabling Technologies Programme: Providing resources for emerging and revolutionary space technology research.
- General Support Technology Programme: Designing, manufacturing, and testing groundbreaking space technologies.
- Navigation Innovation Support Programme (NavISP): Supporting advancements in positioning, navigation, and timing technology.
Exploring the unknown
The UK Space Agency funds world-class research and exploration missions to uncover the mysteries of space:
- Space Science Programme: Supporting scientific payloads and data processing for space missions.
- Space Exploration Programme: Preparing microgravity experiments and utilising space environments for groundbreaking research.
Earth observation and telecommunications
By leveraging satellite data, the UK Space Agency aids in climate monitoring, environmental management, and connectivity advancements:
- Earth Observation Programme: Utilising space-based technology to analyse climate trends and support global sustainability efforts.
- Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) Programme: Driving next-generation satellite communications development.
- Connectivity in Low-Earth Orbit Programme: Investing £160m in satellite communications technology over four years.
Missions that shape our future
The UK Space Agency is involved in multiple pioneering space missions, including:
- IMAP: Studying the heliosphere with NASA.
- EarthCARE: Analysing climate interactions.
- LISA: The first space-based gravitational wave observatory.
- JUICE: Exploring Jupiter and its moons.
- Euclid: Mapping the expansion of the Universe.
- MicroCarb: Tracking carbon sources and sinks to combat climate change.
- TRUTHS: A UK-led mission enhancing climate change forecasting accuracy.
As space technology continues to evolve, the UK Space Agency is committed to unlocking new opportunities, driving innovation, and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in space exploration.
By investing in research, fostering international partnerships, and inspiring the next generation, the agency is paving the way for a thriving and sustainable UK space industry.
