The UK must act now if it wants to lead the new space race
4 min read
Space is transforming the world as we know it.
Images of astronauts, asteroids and rockets capture our imagination about space, but we do not realise the critical ways that space technologies shape our day-to-day lives. Since being appointed as the chair of the House of Lords UK Engagement with Space Committee in February, I and my fellow committee members have been struck by just how little we knew about the ways in which space supports society, and its ever-growing potential for the future.
The GPS receivers in our smartphones use a network of satellites to give us precise location information. Weather satellites provide 24/7 data to multiple industries. Our banking systems depend on satellite technologies to ensure transactions are accurately timestamped. Farmers also rely on these technologies to inform their decisions on crop yields and water levels. So do shipping companies to work out cargo management. Without access to satellite infrastructure, our economic health and societal resilience would be severely compromised.
Beyond the existing support that space provides to life on Earth, exciting new innovations are emerging. Space’s microgravitational environment makes it possible to manufacture purer crystals, which can be used to produce higher-quality semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. Falling launch costs may enable the production of space-based solar power stations. Other businesses are developing technologies to repair satellites in orbit and remove space debris.
The government should create a dedicated space minister to drive the implementation of its goals
For decades, space exploration was the preserve of the wealthiest governments. No longer. Innovations in satellite design coupled with falling launch costs have transformed the opportunities available for ambitious businesses and governments. The growing space economy means that every child born in 2025 will grow up with their lives on Earth more and more dominated by what happens in space.
The time to capitalise on these opportunities is now. With many not realising the quiet strength of the UK’s space sector, and increasing competition from both public and private sector actors, the UK risks losing out. Although the UK signalled its intention to grow into a world-leading space power with the publication of the National Space Strategy in 2021, we have failed to turn this ambition into reality.
Over the course of the past eight months, we held 24 oral evidence sessions and received 106 pieces of written evidence from space businesses, academics and other organisations sharing their views on the UK space sector. Their insights have been instrumental to the committee’s work and its findings.
Firstly, we found that government needs to provide a clearer strategic vision for the sector, which involves making tough decisions about UK priorities. Given that space cuts across multiple government departments, the government should create a dedicated space minister to drive the implementation of its goals.
Second, the UK space sector is an incubator for innovative start-ups but that firms do not receive the necessary support required to become national champions. The current grant-based approach is not serving the needs of the UK space sector. The government needs to rethink its funding model for space technology, pivoting from small-scale grant funding to a model based on strategic procurement and supporting scale-ups.
Third, we heard about shifts in the global space sector. Proposed budget cuts to NASA, increasing EU activity in space and the European Space Agency’s pivot towards developing defence space technologies are all trends the UK will have to negotiate.
Lastly, the threat of space debris risks making activity in space unsafe, impacting the space sector’s economic potential. As activity in space increases, the amount of space debris will continue to rise without collective action internationally. The UK should continue to lead the way on debris removal technology and continue to promote space sustainability through initiatives such as King Charles III’s Astra Carta.
Only the most forward-looking and strategic states will be able to reap the benefits of the expanding space economy – those who do not adapt will be left behind. The UK must act now if it wishes to be a leader in the new race for space.
Baroness Ashton, Labour peer and chair of the Select Committee on UK Engagement with Space
