Speaking today at Space\u2011Comm Expo in London, Minister Liz Lloyd set out a clear vision to make Britain a competitive, agile space power.<\/p>\n
A major package of investment and reform will ensure public funding is focused more sharply on four areas that drive economic growth and national security outcomes: Satellite Communications; In Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (such as refuelling and maintaining satellites and producing products like medicines and semiconductors in space); Space Domain Awareness (such as tracking spacecraft, debris and space weather); and Launch for assured access to space.<\/p>\n
A range of practical tools and support schemes for high-potential companies will complement the record levels of public funding available, to improve access to finance, develop the skills and talent pipeline, and ensure space regulation and standards keep pace with innovation.<\/p>\n
Ministers are also open to using the government\u2019s buying power to help British space firms scale faster \u2013 driving growth, boosting revenues and bolstering national security and defence.<\/p>\n
Space Minister Liz Lloyd said:<\/p>\n
The government recognises that the whole of the space sector \u2013 from curiosity driven science to commercial satellite services \u2013 makes an important contribution to the UK. But to deliver growth and security for the British people, we need to take a much bolder approach to how we prioritise public funding and support.<\/p>\n
Our vision is clear \u2013 to make the UK a competitive, agile space power. We\u2019re allocating \u00a3500 million today, on top of ESA funding, to drive forward our priorities and will continue to work closely with industry and investors to maximise private capital flows and unlock the full potential of commercial space.<\/p>\n
This is just the start, as we prepare to publish our full Plan for Space later this year.<\/p>\n
In addition to the \u00a31.7 billion committed to European Space Agency (ESA) programmes in November 2025, the government is allocating more than \u00a3500 million to national space programmes:<\/p>\n
\u00a3105 million to develop civil capabilities for in-orbit servicing and manufacturing (ISAM) \u2013 an emerging market where the UK has a strong competitive edge and opportunities to deliver significant commercial returns and strengthen national resilience<\/p>\n
\u00a385 million to develop the National Space Operations Centre, including \u00a340 million to build a new ground\u2011based sensing network, supporting the 24\/7 requirement to protect satellites and manage an increasingly crowded space environment<\/p>\n