Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of UK Space Agency: UK tech on the moon and beyond

A Proud Legacy and Rapid Transformation

The UK space programme has a rich history that began the same year Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne. Over 60 years ago, the launch of Ariel 1 – the first UK-American satellite made with UK private industry – propelled the UK to become only the third country to launch a satellite into orbit.

Since then, the space landscape has transformed dramatically. Today, rockets launch somewhere in the world every 34 hours. The UK’s space economy is growing faster than the wider economy, and UK expertise is powering cutting-edge missions – including the second-ever private spacecraft to land on the Moon, powered by UK engines engineered in Buckinghamshire.

A Thriving Sector Driving National Prosperity

The people and businesses driving the UK’s space sector are not just safeguarding its future – they are actively shaping a thriving, innovative industry with real economic impact.

Key stats show just how fundamental the sector is to national prosperity:

• 36% of UK GDP depends on satellite services

• The UK space sector is expanding faster than many traditional industries

• The UK is approaching a tipping point where space technology is central to everyday life, climate protection, and national security

Challenges and Opportunities at the Tipping Point

Launch costs have dropped by 90% compared to 40 years ago, opening the door to more players and unprecedented innovation. However, this surge also brings new risks. Hundreds of millions of pieces of space debris now orbit the Earth, putting critical satellites at risk and threatening the infrastructure that supports our interconnected world.

Space is no longer the exclusive domain of explorers and scientists. It is increasingly accessible to potentially hostile actors, adding complexity to national security that must not be overlooked.

Strategic Priorities for Growth and Security

For the UK government, space is a strategic priority. The Rt Hon Peter Kyle and his team understand that securing the UK’s place in space requires strong partnerships both internationally, such as with the European Space Agency (ESA), and domestically between public and private sectors.

Their approach rests on three key pillars:

• National security remains a government responsibility

• The private sector drives innovation and entrepreneurship

• Collaboration between public and private sectors is vital for discovery and growth

Leading Innovation in the UK Space Economy

Since July, Peter Kyle has met with many of the innovators behind the UK’s booming space economy. These include companies like Astroscale and ClearSpace, pioneering missions to clean up space debris, and SpaceForge, breaking new ground in microgravity manufacturing for semiconductors.

The UK has attracted more private investment in space than any country outside the US since 2015. This success is built on the UK’s reputation for innovation, investment stability, and a strong rule of law.

Backing UK Space with Investment and Support

The government is committed to supporting UK space with funding, investment, and contracts. Some highlights include:

• £20 million invested in Orbex for the first UK-built, UK-launched rocket, Prime

• Prime will launch small satellites into polar orbit to advance climate change understanding

• ESA partnership helped UK firms win contracts exceeding UK’s ESA contributions by £80 million in one quarter

These contracts support over £3 billion in economic activity and nearly 4,000 skilled jobs across the UK.

Looking Ahead: The UK’s Space Ambition

UK companies are building spacecraft to study Earth’s magnetic field, improve climate data, and deliver vital cargo to the Moon. This ambition, integrity, and leadership define the UK’s place in space.

As we stand at this inflection point, the government’s mission is clear: support science, invest in innovation, and champion critical technologies that will propel the UK economy forward.

To everyone contributing to this effort – your work is shaping a more productive, prosperous, and pioneering UK, on Earth and beyond.

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