UK Space Agency
The UK Space Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and at the heart of UK efforts to explore and benefit from space. It reports to the Minister of State for Universities and Science, and is at the heart of the UK’s efforts to explore space, exploit space-based applications and technology, and support the UK’s academic and industrial communities.
The UK Space Agency was launched officially on 23 March 2010 and became an executive agency of BIS on 1 April 2011. The Agency is responsible for all strategic decisions on the UK civil space programme and provides a clear, single voice for UK space ambitions. Therefore, its remit includes:
- Co-ordinates UK civil space activity
- Supporting academic research
- Nurturing the UK space industry
- Raising the profile of UK space activities at home and abroad
- Working to increase understanding of space and its practical benefits
- Inspiring the next generation of UK scientists and engineers
The UK’s space policy is carried out within the framework of the UK Civil Space Strategy 2008-2012 and beyond. This strategy shapes the direction of UK space policy. The strategy is reviewed in line with the UK Space Innovation and Growth Strategy and the Agency’s position as an executive agency of BIS.
The UK Space Agency also interfaces with other government departments on security and military programmes. Although it does not manage these programmes directly, the UK Space Agency is kept informed and involved in decisions relating to the programmes, as necessary.
Collaboration lies at the heart of the UK Space Agency ethos and applies across Government, as well as to external organisations including European and global partners such as the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Union, national space agencies and the United Nations.
The Space Leadership Council was formed at the launch of the UK Space Agency in March 2010, and provides strategic advice and challenge for the UK Space Agency and identifies future opportunities for growth in the space sector, the wider economy and society in general.
For more information, please visit the UK Space Agency part of the BIS website.