23 July 2018 – UKspace Chair, Graham Peters, has paid tribute to the health of the UK space sector and its presence at the Farnborough International Airshow, describing the event as “a fantastic week for the UK space sector.”

Following a week in which the Prime Minister and several senior ministers expressed their support for the UK space industry, Graham said: “The UK Pavilion has been so busy as space’s presence at Farnborough becomes ever more high profile. The buzz round our industry is tangible and demonstrates how truly inspirational it is for everyone – politicians, the media, students and the wider public.

“The UK space flight programme announcement made headline news in association with the Prime Minister’s visit on Monday, followed by Business Secretary Greg Clarke expressing his support for a space sector deal. On Wednesday, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling joined the UKlaunch event, providing his enthusiastic support for the new programme, while Space Minister Sam Gyimah’s statement to the House of Commons made specific reference to a Sector Deal for space.

“On Thursday we welcomed International Trade Secretary Liam Fox who described our industry as ‘one of the great enablers of the UK economy’ during a Space Growth Partnership event on exports, at which we announced the launch of a high value export campaign for space by his department.

“As a sector we should all be pleased at the momentum behind a establishing a sector deal for space and enthused for what is to come after the summer holiday season.”

Earlier in the week, UKspace President Andy Green addressed Farnborough’s Space Zone, reiterating the importance of investment in the space sector, saying: “For every £1 government puts into the space sector, they get a £7-£9 return. International cooperation is crucial to the space sector and very important that this remains in place. Getting a pipeline of [space] government procurement is a crucial economic benefit to the country.”