Launching 6 October 2022 during World Space Week, hosted on newscientist.com, UKspace.org and the ITN Industry News hub.
Space has a huge impact on our everyday lives from satellite communication, weather prediction and GPS systems, to providing information for food production, measuring the impact of climate change and cutting carbon emissions.
With 2022 set to be a ground-breaking year for the UK space sector, UKspace and ITN Business have produced a news-style programme, ‘This is Space’, highlighting the incredible work taking place around the country, the latest sector opportunities, innovations, technologies and capabilities, sustainability and space, the national space strategy and the people making it all happen. The programme aims to inspire the next generation about the broad range of opportunities to work in the space industry, debunking the myth that space is just about exploring other planets and looks at what the future holds for the sector.
Anchored by space scientist and science educator, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, ‘This is Space’ features interviews from the ITN London studios with industry thought leaders including Nick Shave, former Chair of UKspace, and Claire Barcham, Director of Strategy at the UK Space Agency, discussing the latest space technologies and capabilities from UK space organisations. The programme also includes a focus on skills and a special news report revealing the latest on the UK’s first planned satellite launch from Spaceport Cornwall.
Hosted on UKspace.org, newscientist.com and the ITN Industry News hub, the programme also features reporter-led sponsored editorial profiles from the following organisations:
- Airbus – a global pioneer in the aerospace industry, operating in the commercial aircraft, helicopters, defence and space sectors
- ALL.SPACE – the world’s only intelligent multi-network service enablement platform, capable of linking with all satellites, all networks, in all orbits, all at once
- BAE Systems – providing some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions
- ICEYE – Finnish microsatellite manufacturer, changing the way we look at our world from space
- Rolls-Royce Submarines – powering the UK’s nuclear underwater defences, Rolls-Royce’s market-leading position in submarine propulsion systems encompass everything from design and procurement to manufacture and in-service support
- Satellite Applications Catapult – at the heart of the satellite services revolution, driving take-up of space technology and applications to shape and sustain the world of tomorrow.
- Satellite Vu – a high-growth space tech company poised to help the world address its sustainability challenges through high-resolution thermal imaging
- University of Portsmouth – a new breed of university, proud to be a breath of fresh air in the academic world, where everyone gets the support they need to achieve their best
- Viasat – a global communications company connecting homes, businesses, governments and militaries with satellite internet, connectivity solutions and additional services
Dr Alice Bunn OBE, President of UKspace said: “‘This is Space’ showcases some of the UK’s world-leading space science, engineering, technology and innovation. Space affects every single one of us as we go about our daily lives, but for too long now it has been seen as the domain of the privileged few. This busts that myth with the programme showcasing a whole range of new and established UK space industry players, working often with academic institutions to push the boundaries of research and innovation. This sector is exciting, dynamic and growing, and critically needs fuelling with a broad range of technical and non-technical skills. I hope this programme will inspire the next generation to consider space as an aspirational and viable career option, and bring greater awareness to the general public about the immense value delivered by the UK space industry.”
Nina Harrison-Bell, Head of ITN Business, said: “We are thrilled to be launching ‘This is Space’ alongside UKspace, in this momentous year for the UK space sector. It has been fascinating to learn about the extent satellites are involved in our day to day lives and to hear from this country’s leading experts in the sector, and we are excited to share this with our audiences.”
The programme will launch on 6 October 2022, and will feature news items, interviews and sponsored editorial profiles. UKspace will support the programme with an extensive campaign targeting their members.