TO BE PUBLISHED October 2025
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This conference will discuss recent and upcoming developments in UK space policy and regulation, and implications for the future direction of the sector.
It will bring together key stakeholders and policymakers to assess priorities for the UK space sector, looking at strategy, investment, and industry collaboration, as well as the sector’s role in supporting broader national infrastructure and economic growth.
Taking place in the context of the recent Spending Review there will 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. Delegates will also consider the anticipated Government response to the UK Space Agency consultation on orbital liabilities, insurance, charging, and sustainability, as well as the sector’s integration into the Advanced Manufacturing Plan. How frameworks may need to evolve to support sector growth and innovation will be considered.
Sessions will assess funding mechanisms such as the C-LEO programme, and how it is applied and engagement with sector stakeholders as it progresses. We expect delegates to examine the tailored support for space sector organisations through Business Pathway programme, as well as the way forward for fostering of regional growth and collaboration through Catapult-led partnerships.
Putting in place the capacity and developing the supply chains required to support the production and deployment of large-scale satellite constellations will also be considered, alongside what will be needed from policy, regulation, and action within the sector. We expect discussion on the forthcoming Invest 2035 plan, aligning the space sector with the broader direction of the Government’s Industrial Strategy.
Further areas for discussion include support for workforce and skills development, addressing ongoing skills gaps in software and AI within the UK space sector, including mid-career upskilling and the expansion of talent pipelines through STEM education and CPD programmes, alongside measures to address the sector’s skills gap.
Attendees will also assess the role of the UK space sector in addressing the impact of geopolitical issues, including trade and national security challenges, as part of efforts to diversify and strengthen the UK’s space innovation ecosystem.
With the agenda currently in the drafting stage, overall areas for discussion include:
- regulation:
- implications of the upcoming government response to the UKSA consultation - next steps for orbital liability frameworks and sustainability mandates
- ensuring that UK regulation keeps pace with international standards - commercial viability and incentives for sustainable operations
- policy:
- clarification of government ambitions for the sector through the response to the UKSA consultation - improving coordination between departments, regulators and sector bodies
- 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:
- integration of the space sector into the Advanced Manufacturing Strategy - building capacity and supply chains for satellite constellations
- support for domestic production and high-value R&D activity - opportunities for manufacturing clusters and regional growth
- funding:
- supporting Investor confidence in long-term satellite and infrastructure ventures - attracting private capital and de-risking initiatives
- role of venture capital and barriers to growth - support for SMEs through UKSA and Catapult programmes
- connectivity:
- potential of NGSO systems like Kuiper for bridging the digital divide - broadband rollout in underserved rural areas
- outcomes of recent spectrum releases by Ofcom - balancing innovation, market access and competition
- 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:
- mid-career upskilling in software and AI - expansion of talent pipelines through STEM education and CPD programmes
- alignment of workforce initiatives with areas of strategic technological development - inclusion and diversity in the UK space workforce - contribution to job growth across the UK
