Today UK Space published a Space Growth Partnership strategy document outlining the important collaboration between Government and industry when it comes to the providing growth and opportunities for the Space sector.

Growing at 8% a year the UK Space sector is at the cutting edge of exploring the universe and connecting people to the world around them. Just last week ADS published its 2018 Facts and Figures, highlighting the UK Space Sector as world leading in innovation and ambitious towards the future.

The new ‘Prosperity from Space Strategy’ outlines four pillars to bolster the sectors ambitions and to drive success:

  • Creating a National Space Programme to unlock increased private investment

This would also support building new global partnerships for strategic exports and maintain the world-leading excellence in the UK’s industrial and academic strengths. Further to this it will enable other industries and combine capabilities in space data and AI to drive productivity across the UK economy.

  • Creating the right environment for success by securing and building on existing strengths

By setting up a cross-Government working group to secure high value inward investment and working in collaboration with industry to demonstrate how smart Government procurement can stimulate commercial investment in infrastructure.

  • Investing in people and places

Actively encouraging diversity and inclusion in the workforce will help to attract and train up to 30,000 additional skilled people by 2030. As well as this, by showcasing exciting scientific achievements in space and undertaking interactions with young people to inspire the take up of STEM careers, it will benefit all high tech sectors in the UK.

  • Continuing to drive growth from our investment in ESA, Eumetsat and EU Programmes

As the UK forges a new relationship with the European Union, it is important to enhance the UK’s relationship with ESA and maintain at least the current level of investment. Further to this, supporting on-going Government negotiations to ensure future UK/EU partnerships cover current and planned EU space programmes.

Science Minister, Sam Gyimah, said:

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.

It is positive to see UK Space take productive steps to continue to support the UK Space sector, especially with the current challenges that face the sector. The commercial achievements have not gone unnoticed as the global market increasingly becomes crowded. In addition to this, the decision to leave the EU creates a particular need for the UK to develop new international partnerships to boost exports. But as an industry built on strong foundations, the sector will continue to push for the opportunities and will work collaboratively with Government to deliver the exciting future ahead.

You can read the full UK Space report here.