Space Returns to the Cabinet’s Focus as Revitalized National Space Council Reignites UK’s Superpower Aspirations

The National Space Council convened today (Wednesday, 19 July) for its first session since being reinstated, part of the UK’s goal to emerge as a genuine space superpower and to realize its aspiration of becoming Europe’s foremost provider of small commercial launches by 2030. This initiative builds on the remarkable expansion of the UK space sector, which currently employs nearly 49,000 individuals and generates £17.5 billion in revenue.

The Council was co-chaired by the Science and Defence Secretaries, accompanied by other Cabinet Ministers and insights from astronaut Tim Peake, along with various expert contributions. The meeting also featured an exhibition of lunar rocks, brought back from the Apollo missions, symbolizing the UK’s aspirations to reach for the stars and beyond.

The Council will be tasked with synchronizing government policy on space and ensuring that the UK is strategically positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the space sector to stimulate job creation and economic growth, which is one of the Prime Minister’s five key priorities.

Chloe Smith, Secretary of State for Science and Technology, remarked:

Space is crucial for contemporary life: global telecommunications, weather forecasting, and our national security heavily depend on satellites. As the significance of space continues to rise, so should our ambitions for the UK.

Our renewed National Space Council will guarantee that the government collaborates seamlessly with the sector to fulfill our intentions to enhance the space economy. Geographically, economically, and due to our outstanding skill set, the UK is perfectly positioned not just to lead in Europe but to emerge as a global force in space.

Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence, stated:

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the vital role of space in military operations. My department is actively collaborating with DSIT to realize the UK’s space ambitions, ensuring we have the necessary capabilities to safeguard this critical domain and leverage the opportunities it presents for future operations.

This meeting coincides with the release of a new National Space Strategy in Action by DSIT and the Ministry of Defence, marking a significant milestone that outlines the government’s dedication to the space sector and charts a bold strategy for the UK to become a key player in the global space competition.

This publication highlights the substantial progress the UK space sector has achieved since the introduction of the joint civil-defense National Space Strategy in 2021, employing nearly 49,000 individuals and generating £17.5 billion in income, a £1 billion increase from the previous year. It aims to provide clarity for businesses in the sector, granting them the confidence needed to make long-term investment choices.

It encompasses various priority areas, including:

• the creation of a Space Sector Plan to foster economic growth and resilience
• establishing space clusters within the UK space ecosystem
• developing a space workforce action plan
• reviewing space regulations to ensure innovation and effectiveness
• long-term strategies for civil capabilities and defense security in space
• advancements in the Defence Space Strategy

Dr. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, commented:

The National Space Strategy in Action emphasizes the significant strides made toward achieving the government’s goal of positioning the UK as one of the most innovative and attractive space economies worldwide.

By facilitating investment in UK enterprises, increasing our participation in major space missions, and advocating for the benefits of space to enhance lives, the UK Space Agency is playing a critical role in propelling the growth of the UK’s burgeoning space industry.

Graham Peters, Independent Chair of the Space Partnership Board, noted:

The ‘National Space Strategy in Action’ indicates an exhilarating time as the space industry turns national ambitions into concrete actions. Significant progress is underway, and the Space Partnership is excited to actively support the collaboration of industry, academia, and government on key shared priorities, including the next steps to fulfill the capabilities laid out in the NSS In Action, ensuring a collective effort in delivering the National Space Strategy.

Ben Bridge, Chairman of Airbus Defence and Space UK, stated:

We welcome this report and applaud the government’s advancements and commitment to furthering the space sector. We look forward to the upcoming phase of executing the National Space Strategy and the release of the Space Sector Plan to assist the government in achieving its growth ambitions by building and expanding national space capabilities. This will enable Airbus to engage more deeply with the wider UK space community and enhance our network of suppliers and collaborations with SMEs nationwide.

Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of Viasat, expressed:

I’m pleased to support the UK’s objectives laid out in the National Space Strategy to facilitate economic growth, investment, trade, and scientific progress in this New Space Age. Viasat believes that the emerging industry-led Space Sustainability Standard will be crucial in achieving these objectives. Responsible management of our shared and limited resources—both orbital and spectral—is essential to keeping space accessible. Accessibility is vital for the continued growth and innovation of as many participants in the global space economy as possible, including within the UK.

In conjunction with this pivotal report, the government is also releasing new research detailing the ‘Case for Space’, which highlights the economic impact of space and its advantages for the UK. Findings reveal the beneficial effects of space activities on various sectors, from over £80 million of government investment in space weather forecasting to applying position, navigation, and timing technology for emergency services and utilizing earth observation (EO) capabilities in agriculture and food production.

These announcements follow closely after the recent Space Sustainability Symposium, hosted by Minister Freeman last month, which convened leading figures from the space sector, finance, and academia to explore a sustainable future for space and address the pressing issue of space debris in our atmosphere.