And there are some amazing technologies out there that might allow us to do some of this terrestrially.” “From a defence perspective, the GPS signal is vulnerable to jamming and to spoofing, so we need look at more resilient ways of doing this. This departure has “actually expanded our horizons ”, said Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey, Commander of the UK Space Command, and encouraged the UK to look at other technologies to replicate aspects of space-based position, navigation and timing technology. This expertise will be crucial, particularly in the wake of Britain’s exit from the Galileo programme. The nation is valued internationally as a big exporter of high-end space technology. That said, the UK is already a world leader in many space-related technologies, including quantum communications, scientific payloads, satellites – and using them to track and tackle climate change – and cutting-edge navigation systems. But the global space industry is even growing faster, at 5.6 per cent, so the UK needs to accelerate to keep up. This industry comprises over 46,000 individuals and is growing at a healthy 4.7 per cent annually. The debate brought together a panel of leading thinkers and experts on space to discuss the future of the British space industry. These questions were the focus of a recent online New Scientist debate - Can Britain become a new space pioneer? – sponsored by BAE Systems. Does the UK have the necessary expertise, technology and industrial infrastructure to achieve such goals? How will it approach satellite navigation following the UK’s Brexit-linked departure from Galileo, the European Union’s global navigation satellite system? And how can the UK develop its space port capability in line with bold sustainability and climate goals? This involves launching a rocket into orbit in 2022 – an anticipated first for any European country – as an early step.īut this ambitious approach also raises questions. Capturing the European market in commercial small satellite launch is top of the list.
The strategy outlines the way the UK will operate in space – including the opening of seven spaceports – in a wide-ranging 10-point plan. This upgrade of the UK’s space capabilities includes a £5 billion investment over 10 years in military satellite communications, and £1.4 billion more in other space technologies. In April, the government launched the UK Space Command, a military body tasked with creating a secure and resilient space environment for government, military, and industrial activity.Īnd the government plans investment too. We will protect and defend the UK’s interests in space inspire the next generation and sustain the UK’s competitive edge in space science and technology.” Its vision : “We will build one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world, and the UK will grow as a space nation. Earlier this year, the UK government set out plans to become a major player in the global space market with the publication of its National Space Strategy. Getty Images/iStockphoto Watch the full New Scientist debate for freeīritain has bold ambitions in space. The UK aims to dominate the small satellite launch market in Europe
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