Science Minister Andrew Griffith announced today (Thursday 7 March) the new Space Industrial Plan (SIP) during a keynote speech at the Space-Comm Expo, to an audience of key leaders in the UK’s space industry.
Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the SIP responds to the space industry’s call for strategic clarity, aligning with the overarching goals of the National Space Strategy to unlock growth and develop resilient capabilities within the UK space sector.
The SIP provides the industry with a robust framework to drive forward the UK’s growing space ambitions – from improving the availability of scale-up funding in the UK space sector, to building a skilled space workforce, the plan offers a way forward for sustained growth and success.
Building on yesterday’s Budget, today’s announcement builds on the full launch of the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) as £160m of funding becomes available for British innovators who are working to revolutionise 5G and broadband coverage for every corner of the UK, from a scheme to deliver the next generation of high-tech satellites.
The C-LEO scheme would build on our country’s established and growing satellites industry by providing UK researchers and businesses with critical support to drive the development of new constellations.
Minister Griffith also announced a £250,000 funding injection for Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), a key player in the UK’s satellite manufacturing landscape.
The funds will enhance SSTL’s facilities with a state-of-the-art Research and Development Imager Cleanroom in Guildford. This strategic move propels the development of cutting-edge space-based imaging technology – the ‘eyes’ of satellites – and embodies the government’s commitment, as outlined in the SIP, to provide essential tools for collaboration and catalyse further investment within the UK’s flourishing space clusters.
Speaking after the announcement, Space Minister Andrew Griffith said: “The Space Industrial Plan represents a crucial step in shaping the trajectory of the UK’s world-leading space sector.
Developed collaboratively with industry, this plan serves as a blueprint for our flourishing £17.5bn space sector to foster innovation, ensure long-term sustainability, and position the UK as a leader in the global space arena.”
UKspace Chair, John Hanley, added: “UKspace welcomes the new Space Industrial Plan, which provides a clear signal of the Government’s intent to maximise opportunities for sector growth. Achieving the ambitions set out in this Plan and the National Space Strategy will require a comprehensive and funded ten-year plan for the sector.
“UKspace’s unique role, providing a clear voice for the sector’s ambitions – based on our work with members and partners for more than 30 years – will enable us to establish a closer and more strategic partnership with Government. This collaboration, underpinned by a comprehensive ‘whole-of-government’ approach to space, will be fundamental if the UK space sector is to fully exploit the opportunities space offers the UK, strengthen our industrial and research base, and realise our shared goals.”