This paper can be useful for space companies to study the current state of the market and opportunities in the UK market, as well as for everyone who studies the space industry. It provides an overview of the UK space market as of the end of 2021 and it would be relevant for the next 2-3 years at least. The new UK space strategy has been studied, resulting in a brief description of the projects that will be financed under this program. The enlarged organizational structure of the UK space sector, including Scotland, as well as main and alternative sources of funding for space projects in the UK, have been considered. The main existing space technologies presented in the UK, have been reviewed.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. UK space strategy and programs
2. Funding sources of the UK space sector
2.1 Main funding sources.
2.2 Alternative funding sources.
2.3 COVID support plan
2.4 UK programs support for SME
3. Space technologies in the UK
4. Geography of UK space sector
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the UK space market as of late 2021, serving as a strategic reference for industry developments through approximately 2024. The research aims to map the evolving organizational structure of the UK space sector, detail the diverse funding mechanisms available for space projects, and critically analyze the current technological landscape and regional distribution of space-related activities within the country.
- Detailed audit of the national £6Bn UK space strategy and its four core implementation phases.
- Categorization of public and private funding sources, including civil and military support channels.
- Comprehensive analysis of the UK space technology ecosystem, ranging from launch vehicles to deep-space exploration.
- Geographic mapping of the UK space sector with specific focus on Scotland and Wales's localized programs.
Extract from the Book
1. UK space strategy and programs
Summary of adopted £6Bn UK space strategy:
1. UK strategy will be implemented through 4 phases:
- Countdown Phase (Q4'2021) - within this phase, the comprehensive Spending Review Process will set budgets for government space activities into the coming years, with this strategy providing the direction to align resources with space ambition;
- Ignition Phase (2022-2023) - implementation of the National Space Strategy by establishing programs funded through Spending Review to deliver on the Strategy Goals;
- Thrust Phase (2023-2030) - embedding of the benefits of the strategy into the UK economy;
- Orbit Phase (2030-onwards) - re-evaluating the Space Strategy and ensuring the UK adapts to a changing space environment.
2. The UK will invest around £5Bn over the next 10 years in their military satellite communications program.
3. The UK will develop a constellation of small intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites (budget and terms are undisclosed).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the scope of the report, noting its relevance for stakeholders by reviewing the new UK space strategy, organizational structure, and dominant technological sectors.
1. UK space strategy and programs: Details the four-phased implementation of the £6Bn national space strategy and highlights significant investments in military satellite communications and reconnaissance constellations.
2. Funding sources of the UK space sector: Examines the multifaceted financial landscape of the industry, differentiating between civil organizations, military channels, regional funds, and private-public partnership (PPP) frameworks.
3. Space technologies in the UK: Provides an inventory of key technologies currently developed in the UK, highlighting strengths in satellite platforms and identified gaps in deep-space exploration.
4. Geography of UK space sector: Discusses the significance of localized clusters, specifically the economic impact and unique support mechanisms available within the Scottish and Welsh space ecosystems.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the United Kingdom's post-Brexit strategic shift toward establishing internal launch capabilities and localizing high-value intellectual property within national jurisdiction.
Keywords
UK space strategy, UK Space Agency, spaceports, funding sources, satellite technology, deep-space exploration, public-private partnership, small satellites, LaunchUK, SME support, innovation, Scottish space sector, defense, satellite communications, infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this assessment?
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the UK space market as it stood at the end of 2021, focusing on strategic plans, active projects, and available funding mechanisms.
What are the core research themes?
Key themes include the national space strategy, technological progress in small satellite verticals, financial resources for SMEs, and the regional importance of space clusters in Scotland and Wales.
What is the central aim of the UK's current space strategy?
The aim is to align national resources through a four-phase strategy (Countdown, Ignition, Thrust, and Orbit) to build a robust space economy and strengthen military and civilian capabilities.
What methodologies are used to categorize funding?
The report categorizes funding into civil programs (via UKSA and Innovate UK), military sources (via DASA), and alternative vehicles such as the Future Fund and various PPP frameworks.
What does the main body cover regarding technology?
The main body offers a detailed classification of technologies, mapping over 50 specific technologies across verticals like launch vehicles, SAR, optical payloads, and propulsion systems against TRL and funding type.
Which keywords define this document's scope?
Keywords include UK Space Agency, strategy, funding, satellite technology, spaceports, and regional clusters like those in Scotland.
How is the Scottish space sector distinct?
Scotland accounts for nearly one-fifth of all UK space jobs and offers localized advantages such as lower operating costs and specific tax relief schemes like Patent Box.
What is the role of PPP in the UK space sector?
PPP serves as a mechanism for government-private collaboration, though the report notes that there is no centralized PPP authority, making the Ministry of Defence a critical entry point.
Are there specific eligibility criteria for funding?
Yes, different programs (e.g., EIS, Future Fund) have strict requirements regarding R&D spending, UK incorporation, and company size, which are detailed in the appendices.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2021, UK Space Market Overview. Strategic Plans, Active Projects, Funding Sources, and Core Technologies, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1249544
