The UK space sector holds great potential, generating an income of £14.8 billion annually according to the Government’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy. Nevertheless, it has been suggested that the UK’s approach to space policy requires a rethink. Further, investment in UK lags behind that of other nations such as France and Italy, who spend between five and ten times more on their national space sectors.
The Government has established a new National Space Council as a Cabinet Committee and has promised to publish a new UK Space Strategy. The Government has made steps to improve its satellite infrastructure through the joint acquisition of OneWeb and the completion of consultations relating to the legislation required to allow spaceflight (including satellite launch) in the UK.
A coordinated approach to supporting the UK’s thriving space sector must also be viewed through the lens of recovery from the impacts of covid-19 and the UK’s departure from the European Union. The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee is conducting an inquiry into a new UK Space Strategy and UK Satellite Infrastructure.