Westminster Business Forum

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Next steps for the UK space industry - developing the sector deal, spaceports and the UK’s international positioning

February 2019


Price: £95 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF


This conference focuses on the next steps for the UK space sector as the industry sets out its vision for growth, and in the context of a possible sector deal.


Delegates will assess the infrastructure, technology and investment that will be required to drive innovation, and support the development of commercial spaceflight, following the Space Industry Act which provides the regulatory framework to enable the UK’s launch capability.


It follows the Government’s decision to no longer seek access to the secure aspects of Galileo as it seeks to build its own Global Navigation Satellite System and in the backdrop of Brexit and increasing European competition, delegates will also consider what is needed in policy terms - and from the sector itself - to enable the UK to become a global space hub and a European leader for space services.


With the UK Space Growth Partnership’s Prosperity from Space Strategy laying the foundation for a space sector deal and national space programme, delegates will also discuss what will be needed to achieve its vision of significant growth in exports and inward investment as part of a £500bn boost to the economy.


The Strategy highlights the potential for growing a diverse workforce and attracting young people to STEM careers. We expect discussion on the practical steps for the industry and its partners to tackle the skills gap whilst continuing to attract international talent, and improving diversity and inclusion in the workforce.


The agenda looks at the future shape of partnerships to enable development of UK spaceports, as well as the wider economic and environmental impact on local communities as they seek to develop clusters in spaceport locations following the Government awarding funding to the four potential spaceports.


Further sessions focus on international cooperation and the UK’s position in the global space market and following the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Australia on exchange of talent and technology.


Delegates will also consider the regulatory framework for UK space, following the introduction of the Traffic Light System which aims to streamline the licensing processes for satellite operators, considering what else is needed from regulators and policymakers to develop a safe but efficient regulatory regime in light of changing technological and commercial trends.    



This pack includes

  • Dropbox video recording of the conference
  • PDF transcript of the discussion, including all speaker remarks and Q&A
  • PDFs of speakers' slide material (subject to permission)
  • PDFs of the delegate pack, including speaker biographies and attendee list
  • PDFs of delegate articles