Morning, Thursday, 25th September 2025
Online
This conference will discuss priorities for the UK space sector, looking at strategy, investment, and collaborative frameworks. Delegates will also examine opportunities for developing the role of the sector as the government pursues policy objectives for economic growth, including investment in R&D and digital infrastructure.
Policy, regulation and the Industrial Strategy
With the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan identifying space as a priority sector, stakeholders and policymakers will consider implications for growth and innovation in core capabilities, and what will be needed if ambitions for growth, revenue generation, innovation and resilience, are to be achieved.
Taking place in the wider context of the 2025 Spending Review, and proposed investment in satellite connectivity for rural areas, there will also be a focus on recent regulatory decisions, including Ofcom’s licensing of non-geostationary satellite systems and the release of additional spectrum for satellite services.
Areas for discussion include balancing domestic sector development with market access for international operators, alongside addressing challenges of regulatory coordination across bodies such as Ofcom, the UKSA, and DSIT. Delegates will consider the anticipated response from government to the UK Space Agency’s consultation on orbital liabilities, insurance, charging, and sustainability and how it is likely to affect investor confidence and environmental governance.
Supply chains, UK capabilities and international relationships
The conference will be an opportunity to assess practicalities for achieving targets outlined in the Sector Plan. Delegates will discuss strategies for scaling up production and commercial deployment of space technologies, growing exports, and enhancing capabilities in manufacturing, launching and regulation of satellites, with the Government carrying forward recommendations of the 2024 Space Regulatory Review.
Priorities for improving capacity and developing supply chains required to support production and deployment of large-scale satellite constellations will also be considered. What will be needed from policy and regulation to develop core capabilities in the UK - such as In-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing - will also be discussed, with a new procurement process recently launched by UKSA for a £75.6m tender for the UK’s first Active Debris Removal initiative.
Attendees will also consider issues around maintaining and investing in strategic partnerships with international bodies - including the European Space Agency - as the Government commits to increasing bilateral civil R&D funding to £75m over five years. The impact of geopolitical issues will also be discussed, including trade and national security challenges, as as factors underlying aims to diversify and strengthen the UK’s space innovation ecosystem.
Funding
Sessions will assess funding mechanisms such as the C-LEO programme, looking at how it is applied and the engagement needed with stakeholders as it progresses. Delegates will examine tailored support for space sector organisations through the Business Pathway programme.
We also expect discussion on improving access to finance through the Private Investment Framework and priorities for fostering regional growth and collaboration through Catapult-led partnerships. There will also be discussion on how to meet the needs of early-stage businesses and SMEs, alongside strategies to de-risk long-term infrastructure projects and attract large scale private investment.
Regulation
The conference will also examine what will be needed from regulation to best support delivery of the UK’s industrial space ambitions. Delegates will look at the implementation of innovative regulatory frameworks, the meeting of industry needs through the Space Regulatory Sandbox, and sector priorities for Ofcom making available spectrum for satellite connectivity.
Collaboration in designing Space Regulatory Standards will also be discussed, as the BSI consults on guidance on environmental considerations for launch capabilities and long-term sustainability of outer space activities, including space debris, and dark and quiet skies.
Workforce and skills development
Further areas for discussion include support for the workforce and skills development through the Space Education and Future Workforce programme, and addressing ongoing skills gaps in software and AI within the UK space sector, including mid-career upskilling and expansion of talent pipelines through STEM education and CPD programmes.
Further areas for discussion:
- regulation: ensuring that UK regulation keeps pace with international standards - commercial viability and incentives for sustainable operations
- policy: priorities for future development, accountability and delivery mechanisms across the ecosystem - developing long-term industrial strategy for the UK space sector
- industrial strategy and manufacturing: support for domestic production and high-value R&D activity - opportunities for manufacturing clusters and regional growth
- funding: role of venture capital and barriers to growth - support for SMEs through UKSA and Catapult programmes
- connectivity: potential of NGSO systems such as Kuiper for bridging the digital divide - broadband rollout in underserved rural areas
- security and resilience: protecting UK space infrastructure against threats - dual-use technologies in defence and commercial settings - UK capabilities and supply chain security
- innovation:
- regulatory frameworks for in-orbit servicing and advanced satellite capabilities - adoption of AI, robotics, and autonomous operations
- UK leadership in next-generation technologies with commercial and public benefit
- international partnerships:
- UK collaboration with ESA and other space-faring nations - securing the UK’s position in international space governance and standards
- inward investment and joint development agreements
- societal and national contribution:
- role of space infrastructure in supporting critical services - opportunities in maritime security, emergency response, precision agriculture and environmental monitoring
- ensuring that strategic investments deliver broader economic and societal returns
- workforce and skills: alignment of workforce initiatives with areas of strategic technological development - inclusion and diversity in the workforce - contribution to job growth across the UK
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from DSIT; DBT; FCDO; GLD; HMRC; NCSC; RAFAC; UKSA; MAA; and the Welsh Government.
