There was a festive spirit in the air as more than 200 guests from the UK space industry attended UKspace’s 2023 Christmas Reception last night, held at Lancaster House in central London.
Just three weeks into his new role as Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, Andrew Griffith MP, referred back to his former role as Sky’s COO, saying “Everything I’ve done in my life has led up to this moment, both politically and in my commercial career. I’m possibly the only minister to have procured a constellation of satellites.” He also praised the industry and reiterated the Government’s commitment to space, adding: “Let’s keep going in terms of innovation for the sector. At the heart of our department is engaging with all the sectors we have. The Government sees space and all its supply chain as an absolute priority.”
UKspace President, Dr Alice Bunn, reflected on 2023, telling guests: “It has been a year of growth for the space sector. The Space Partnership was a highlight in terms of collaboration and developing capability roadmaps. I thank the Government for all its support in securing the Copernicus agreement.
“Investment in R&D must be the foundation to our success in the UK; it’s a powerful element of a thriving space sector, but it’s not enough. To enable growth and scale up, there needs to be government contracts, not grants. This brings wider societal benefits in defence, foreign policy, climate and exports. Without this, we won’t be taken seriously as an international player in space.”
Looking to the new year, Alice added: “In 2024, we need to really raise our game, moving from debate and discourse to making some solid choices. This will enable us to really shift the dial.”
UKspace Vice-Chair, Doug Liddle, also recognised the contribution of the UKspace committees, saying “It’s been a really good year, achieving lots, including Copernicus. All the committees have done a tremendous job in fairly tumultuous times.”
