UK Civil Space Strategy

For the greater good

On 14 February 2008, the British National Space Centre (BNSC) released its UK Civil Space Strategy for 2008 to 2012 and beyond. The strategy outlines the UK's vision to fully exploit the potential of space technology for the benefit of society and how, over the next decade, this vision will be delivered.

 

The UK strategy sets out five objectives:

 

  1. Win an increasing share of the global market in space systems, services and applications in the race to develop tomorrow’s economy
  2. Deliver world-leading exploitation of space systems for managing our changing planet
  3. Be a partner of choice in global scientific missions to explore the Universe
  4. Benefit our Society by strengthening innovation from space, and stimulate the creation of new products and services for everyday use
  5. Develop a major channel for skills development and outreach for a high technology future, and improve public and political recognition of the value of space systems as part of the critical national infrastructure.
    In addition to the underlying message that the UK can benefit from being a leading country in space observation, science and telecoms development, there have been two statements of the document that have generated particular excitement.

 

The first is that the UK is to host an international space facility in Oxfordshire. The new centre at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, near Oxford, will focus on climate change and robotic space exploration.

 

The second element that has stimulated discussion is the UK Government's decision to launch a formal review into whether British astronauts should take part in the international exploration of space. The review has been prompted by the publication of the Global Exploration Strategy developed by 14 international space agencies which outlines ambitious plans for humans to visit the moon, Mars and potentially beyond.

 

The space market currently contributes around £7bn to the UK economy and the new strategy highlights its increasing importance to the UK's economy and way of life.

 

The UK Civil Space Strategy is of particular interest to VEGA which has been one of the UK Space industry's leading companies over the last 30 years. The company has provided a blend of technological, consulting and managed solutions in the space market, primarily in support of the European Space Agency. The company has been actively involved in such headline projects as Mars Express, the Galileo navigation system and the GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) programme.

 

VEGA is a member of UKspace, the trade association of the British space industry sponsored jointly by SBAC and Intellect. In September 2006 VEGA's Business Development Director for Aerospace, John Auburn, was appointed Chairman for UKspace for a two-year term.

 

Speaking on the publication of the UK Civil Space Strategy, John said: "It is a welcome challenge for industry, as well as academia and government, to work together over the next decade to make this vision for Space a reality."

 

Internal links relating to the UK Space market

» Market Themes

» Capabilities in Space

» Case Studies in Space

» Press Releases about Space

 

External links relating to the UK Space market

» UKspace

» Case4Space

» Intellect (Satellite Committee)

» Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

» European Space Agency