11 May 2018 – The Space Growth Partnership (SGP) has published its ‘Prosperity from Space’ strategy document setting out its vision for enhanced growth in the UK space sector over the next decade.

Building on the sector worth £13.7bn to the UK, with 36% of revenue from exports, the strategy focuses on four sector priorities:

Earth information services including navigation, analytics and security

Connectivity services – global connectivity anywhere from any device

In-space robotics – for science enterprise, consumers

Low-cost access to space

The SGP developed from the Innovation and Growth Strategy launched in 2010 to achieve a £40bn space sector in the UK by 2030. The UK space sector, united in the SGP, is looking at four pillars as the strategy to achieve its targets:

1. Creation of a National Space Programme to unlock private investment

2. Creating the right environment for success by securing and building on existing strengths/market position

3. Investing in people and places

4. Continuing to drive growth from the UK’s investment in ESA, Eumetsat and EU programmes

Andy Green, Chair of the Space Sector Council and President of UKspace, said: “This sector-led strategy sets out the ambition of the companies, institutions, academics and entrepreneurs of the UK’s space sector. Space delivers tangible benefits to everyone in the UK, improving communications, travel and security amongst much else. We will build on our successful partnership with Government to create high value jobs and growth across the UK for the benefit of all. I thoroughly commend this strategy to the Government.”

Science Minister, Sam Gyimah, added: “We want the UK to thrive in the commercial space age and have committed £150 million in our Industrial Strategy to help develop advanced rocket engines, test satellites and establish spaceports in the UK for the first time. The Government will continue to work closely with the space sector to build on our significant capability and maximise the benefits of space to life on Earth, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.”

Minister for Investment, Graham Stuart, said: “Too few people are aware of the success and significance of the UK space sector or its vast potential for future growth. The Government welcomes this contribution from the UK space industry and is determined to support our emergence as a commercial space service hub with an increasing global market share backed by new partnerships in science and trade.”

Download ‘Prosperity from Space’ (PDF)