A £50 million programme to enable new satellite launch
services and low gravity spaceflights from UK spaceports will boost
the economy and inspire the next generation of scientists
and engineers.
Business Secretary announced the plans today
(Monday 27 November) as he launched the Government’s ambitious
Industrial Strategy.This sets out a long-term vision for how
Britain can build on its economic strengths, address its
productivity performance, embrace technological change and
support businesses and workers.
The £50 million programme, which builds on the £99 million
already invested in the National Satellite Test
Facility at Harwell, will help UK spaceports access a
global market for launching small satellites worth £10 billion
over 10 years, and offer low gravity flights to advance
cutting-edge science.
UK Space Agency Chief Executive, Graham Turnock, said:
“The ambition of our LaunchUK programme is for a home-grown
market for spaceflight which will give businesses across the
country access to exciting new opportunities.
“This £50 million boost from the Industrial Strategy will help
the UK Space Agency continue working with the industry to develop
new technologies, infrastructure and services, to establish the
UK as a world leading destination for space launch.”
The UK Space Agency is working with industry to grow the UK’s
share of the global space market from 6.5% to 10% by 2030. To
achieve this, companies must be able to pursue new commercial
opportunities from the UK, which offers an excellent location for
space launch, with a world-leading small satellite industry,
access to in-demand orbits, and reputation for regulatory
excellence.
The Department for Transport, Civil Aviation Authority and UK
Space Agency are working together to legislate to enable
a comprehensive regulatory
environment for these activities with the Space Industry Bill
currently going through Parliament. Several sites in
England, Wales and Scotland have so far come forward with
spaceport plans. A series of LaunchUK
roadshows are currently touring the country to explore
how the market can develop, what opportunities it offers for new
supply chains, and how the benefits can be delivered across the
country.
The Government has also provided further guidance today for
sectors such as space, which are developing sector deal
proposals, and intends to announce negotiations for new deals in
the New Year.
