Recommendations & Conclusions
45 items
1
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Rejected
We understand that, once fully launched, the OneWeb low Earth orbit constellation will provide broadband coverage, via broadband providers such as BT, to people in the UK and elsewhere, including those in remote areas. However, it is not clear to us what other benefits the Government’s purchase of OneWeb will …
Government response. The government does not agree to provide a separate yearly report on the OneWeb investment, stating that the information is already available in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts and through press releases.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
2
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted in Part
Since the UK’s purchase of OneWeb, the number of shareholders has continued to grow. Although the Government has provided assurances that the proposed merger with Eutelsat will not affect the UK’s shares and involvement in OneWeb, uncertainty remains over how the continued changing ownership will affect its management. The proposed …
Government response. The government publishes the value of its OneWeb investment in the Department's Annual Report and Accounts, but does not agree that it is necessary to provide a separate yearly report. It highlighted the strategic importance of the investment, and that …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
3
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted in Part
We acknowledge that OneWeb could bring additional benefits to the UK if it carried out satellite manufacturing for its Gen2 constellation in the UK, which would stimulate the UK space sector and create new jobs. However, where the Gen2 constellation will be manufactured is not yet confirmed. The Government must …
Government response. While not providing a separate yearly report on OneWeb, the government asserts its commitment to the UK space sector through the OneWeb investment and highlights the company's increasing UK employment. It states that the special share enables them to champion …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
4
Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
The UK has access to ‘open’ Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services, supplied through the US GPS system and the EU Galileo system, meaning that most users are not affected by the UK leaving the Galileo programme. The UK currently relies on the US GPS system for its secure PNT …
Government response. The government states that the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy recently created a cross government Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) team to take forward this agenda.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
5
Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Acknowledged
We are concerned that the Government seems to be progressing towards plans to use OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to provide PNT services in the future, despite suggestions from experts that there are many technical issues surrounding using LEO satellites for PNT signals. Ambiguity also remains about the …
Government response. The government created a cross-government PNT team to develop a position on national PNT resilience, with the current phase of work to be completed by Spring 2023 to help decide next steps.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
6
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Deferred
Considering the importance of developing secure access to PNT services, we are disappointed that the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is delaying the finalisation and publication of the PNT strategy and therefore refusing to commit to the critical action that needs to be taken. Although BEIS is …
Government response. The government has deferred action on the PNT strategy, stating that the cross-government PNT team, now within the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, will complete its work by Spring 2023 to decide on the next steps, including whether to …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
7
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
We understand that the UK space sector has significant concerns about the current and future access to data currently supplied by EU’s Copernicus programme, especially if the UK cannot remain a member. BEIS and UK Space Agency (UKSA) 76 UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure must ensure that they …
Government response. The government announced almost £400m of new investment in Earth Observation in November 2022, including subscription to ESA EO programmes and an Earth Observation Investment Package.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
8
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
The UK is world-leading in Earth Observation (EO) science and technologies. The EO sector and the Government have recognised that these strengths can also be used to support other UK ambitions such as Net Zero. Taking guidance from the UK Space Agency and UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) …
Government response. The government announced almost £400m of new investment in Earth Observation in November 2022, including subscription to ESA EO programmes and an Earth Observation Investment Package, but does not provide any actions to specifically support the transition to Net Zero …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
9
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
The UK space sector remains strongly in favour of maintaining the UK’s participation in the EU’s Copernicus Earth observation programme, for which the UK Government has set aside €750 million. Despite this, it is imperative that the UK stands ready to adapt if an agreement with the European Union cannot …
Government response. The government announced almost £400m of new investment in Earth Observation in November 2022, including subscription to ESA EO programmes and an Earth Observation Investment Package, but did not publish a 'Plan B' for Copernicus.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
10
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
The Government and the UK space sector have made significant steps towards developing a UK launch capability, with the establishment of a horizontal launch site at Spaceport Cornwall and two vertical launch sites: SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst in Shetland and Space Hub Sutherland. Although spaceports have taken different financing approaches, …
Government response. The UK Space Agency is currently developing Phase Two of the programme (subject to HM Treasury approval), which will build on Phase One to support a commercially sustainable UK launch capability.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
11
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted in Part
We understand that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is considering changes to its approach to setting liability caps for orbital licences, including changing to a variable liability limit approach, where liability bands are defined and the maximum value is recommended to be £50m. We believe this approach will be welcomed …
Government response. The government intends to consult in early 2023 on formal proposals on liability limits and insurance requirements for orbital operations and are aiming for implementation as soon as possible, dependent on the scope of the final methodology and insurance model(s).
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
12
Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
We were pleased to hear that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been working with spaceports, satellite manufacturers, and launch suppliers to ensure that the spaceflight regulations and licence application processes are fit for purpose. However, we are concerned that the CAA is not providing enough support for applicants which …
Government response. The DfT fully funds the CAA’s spaceflight regulation functions and works with the CAA to ensure it has the resources necessary to discharge its duties, they engage proactively with all potential licensees and the CAA works with potential applicants to …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
13
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
The Government must take steps to ensure that the CAA is appropriately resourced to meet the demands of processing increasing numbers of licence applications. Quarterly review meetings should be held by the CAA and DfT to review whether the CAA’s staffing complement is sufficient and further funding should be provided …
Government response. Quarterly review meetings are part of the governance framework between CAA and DfT. Staffing requirements are kept under review and the CAA has continued to recruit staff since its formation in July of 2021 in order to meet its commitments.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
14
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Acknowledged
We are disappointed that a launch from the UK has not yet been achieved, especially as we were assured on several occasions that the first horizontal launch would take place in summer 2022. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Transport must prioritise working towards …
Government response. The government acknowledges the failed Virgin Orbit launch from Spaceport Cornwall and states they are working with Virgin Orbit to understand the anomaly while remaining committed to developing the UK’s launch capability, with further vertical launches planned from Scotland from …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
15
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Rejected
We are concerned that the delay in achieving the first UK launch is partly due to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) being unable to process licence applications in a timely manner. For this initial set of licence applications, the Department for Transport must provide additional resource to the CAA to …
Government response. The government states that the CAA has been sufficiently resourced and has worked at the pace of the industry, and that setting an arbitrary target of 3-6 months for licence processing would risk increasing the regulatory burden.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
16
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
The publication of the Space Industry Regulations in July 2021 was a vital step that set out the licensing processes for launch activities, including establishing the Civil Aviation Authority as the regulator. The Civil Aviation Authority, with the support of the Department for Transport and the Department for Business, Energy …
Government response. The UK is working closely with international authorities, including the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), including seconding FAA staff to the CAA regulatory team. The Department for Transport is working to negotiate a bilateral agreement on regulatory cooperation with the …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
17
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
Although we believe that UK Space Agency (sponsored by BEIS) and the Ministry of Defence are both right to commit to improving their abilities to track and recognise objects in orbit (Space Situational Awareness /Space Domain Awareness), the two departments appear to be developing these capabilities independently, despite the previous …
Government response. The government states UKSA, MoD, and other departments work jointly to deliver the UK SST and SDA capability, with phase one of a joint civilian-military National Space Operations Centre expected to go-live in April 2024.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
18
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Deferred
We commend the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s approach to promoting the sustainable and safe use of space by developing a “regulatory road map” for the sustainable use of space and working with like- minded nations to promote the safe use of space. The Department should publish this …
Government response. The government is working to develop a roadmap for the sustainable use of space, aiming to reach consensus and deliver it by the summer of 2023, building on the recently announced Plan for Space Sustainability.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
19
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
We commend the Government’s latest announcements which will encourage the UK space industry to use space sustainably. As space is global in nature, the Government should set out how it intends to work with international partners to establish an International Space Sustainability Standard, rather than focusing on UK only interventions.
Government response. The government launched its Plan for Space Sustainability in June 2022, which includes measures to provide global leadership and support for the adoption of internationally agreed standards.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
20
Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
The Government has taken positive steps towards supporting the establishment of space debris removal missions and we look forward to seeing further work in this area, especially on ensuring that regulation of these activities is fit for purpose. Space debris removal missions should remain a clear focus of Government support …
Government response. The government states it remains committed to Active Debris Removal missions and is at the forefront of this work through ESA programmes and a national mission, attracting providers through its regulatory framework.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
21
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Acknowledged
Research has already shown the UK has the potential to be a world leader in the growing in-orbit services and manufacturing (IOSM) market. The Government should seize this opportunity. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and UK Space Agency (UKSA) should work with organisations and companies such as …
Government response. The government is working with organizations and companies to identify the best approach to enabling IOSM and exploiting the technological leadership the UK has in this field without committing to specific proposals or a budget.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
22
Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Acknowledged
Although the technology is at a relatively early stage of development, Space Based Solar Power (SBSP) has the potential to become a useful supply of green energy by 2050, helping the UK to reach its Net Zero goals. We commend the announcement by BEIS of plans to create an innovation …
Government response. The government recognizes the benefits of budgetary certainty for developing new technologies, but it is not commiting to provide longer-term settlements and suggests sharing lessons learned from other organizations.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
23
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Acknowledged
Space-based projects, including fundamental research and development of new and especially wholly novel technologies, generally occur on long timescales and therefore require long-term funding. We were pleased to see the announcement of a three-year budget for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy for 2022–23—2024–25 which should bring some …
Government response. The government highlights existing efforts such as the Dynamic Purchasing System and ongoing procurement reform, and emphasizes embedding civil-defence dual use in government procurement, without committing to multi-year budget settlements.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
24
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
The current procurement systems are limiting the growth of the UK space sector and SMEs require further support to access new customers and expand. The Government should further consider how procurement could be used to support businesses and leverage further private investment. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy …
Government response. The government describes current programmes that support space clusters, provide funding, and stimulate private investment in UK space infrastructure through the Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF).
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
25
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
Clusters, such as those in Harwell and Glasgow, can be established in different ways and clearly bring benefits to the UK space sector. We welcome UK Space Agency’s (UKSA’s) announcements of at least some funding for the establishment of further clusters, and we particularly commend any such innovation outside the …
Government response. The Satellite Applications Catapult is a UKSA delivery partner providing co-investment into Centres of Excellence, and UKSA awarded the Catapult a multi-year grant in 2022 for ‘local growth collaboration'; Levelling Up is a Government priority, promoting space in local economic …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
26
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Acknowledged
The Satellite Applications Catapult has been instrumental in securing the establishment and development of space sector SMEs and driving the growth of Harwell space campus. The Government should provide further support to the Satellite Applications Catapult, which will in turn stimulate the growth and success of space companies. Given that …
Government response. The National Space Strategy and the UKSA Corporate plan 2022 – 25 reiterated the commitment to delivering a coherent set of national space programmes but did not provide specific support to the Satellite Applications Catapult.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
27
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
The UK’s involvement in the European Space Agency (ESA) has brought a wide range of benefits to the UK and its space sector, but there is a need to re-address the balance between funding for ESA programmes and funding for national space programmes. The Government should not diminish its funding …
Government response. The government will invest up to £40m in two international programmes, focused on exploration and science, to support academic communities and research and promote international collaboration. These funds will complement the UK's investment through ESA, including academic R&D teams working …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
28
Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Not Addressed
The UK has already benefited from new international agreements that have been established outside of the European Union, such as with the US on the Artemis Accords and the UK-Australia Space Bridge. More needs to be done to ensure that the UK increases its international reach and benefits from the …
Government response. The government describes the UKSA Inspiration Programme, committing over £4 million to establish the National Space Skills Institute (NSSI) and address skills shortages in the space sector.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
29
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
The space sector is suffering from a skills shortage, with experienced employees and those with skills such as programming being particularly hard to find. Higher Education institutions struggle to provide training that keeps pace with technical advancements happening in the sector’s industries. The UK Space Agency’s newly convened Space Skills …
Government response. The government will establish the National Space Skills Institute (NSSI) to catalyse investment in innovative training programs, co-design employability programs, and support the development of more space-specific apprenticeships. The UKSA will continue to deliver the Space Placements in Industry (SPIN) …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
30
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Acknowledged
Companies often find it difficult to recruit employees with considerable experience, but we think companies are also hesitant to invest money and time into training staff. This is partly due to the short-term nature of grant funding, creating a need for companies to have immediate access to the correct expertise. …
Government response. The UKSA has planned to expand several projects under the Inspiration programme to highlight space careers, challenge misconceptions, and improve diversity and equality of opportunity by increasing space outreach to young people around the UK.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
31
Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Acknowledged
If the UK is to address the space skills shortage it is currently facing, then it will need to inspire future generations to take up a career in space. Although the UK Space Agency has programmes in place that are seeking to do this, we believe there is a disconnect …
Government response. The government states its commitment to delivering the National Space Strategy through the UKSA Corporate Plan and acknowledges the importance of engaging with industry to shape space sector policy.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
32
Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Acknowledged
We welcome the publication of the National Space Strategy, which provides a good overarching vision for future civil and defence space applications. However, the strategy lacks details on how its broad aims will be achieved and does not specify on which areas the Government will focus its efforts. Additionally, the …
Government response. The government is committed to delivering the National Space Strategy and has set out additional information in the UKSA Corporate Plan 2022–25 regarding the Agency’s approach to programme design.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
33
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Not Addressed
We are reassured that the Government has set up a national space board that is developing a cross-Government implementation plan to sit alongside the National UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure 81 Space Strategy. To ensure that the space sector understands what steps the Government is taking to support …
Government response. The response discusses the budgets for civil space, set through the Spending Review process, including a record £1.75bn investment in the UK space sector through UKSA budgets and the UKSA corporate plan 2022–25.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
34
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Acknowledged
We share the space sector’s concern that there has been no announced uplift in public funding for space to accompany the National Space Strategy and support the achievement of its objectives. This is all the more concerning given that the UK’s overall investment in space lags behind comparable nations such …
Government response. The government acknowledges the importance of monitoring and evaluating progress in delivering the National Space Strategy and is developing a monitoring and evaluation framework.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
35
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Deferred
While we accept that the scope of the UK space industry is quickly changing and that the Government must take an adaptable approach to measuring its success, dropping headline targets when producing strategies and plans indicates a lack of ambition. If the implementation of the new National Space Strategy is …
Government response. The government is leading work to identify a coherent set of UK space capability needs and will publish developed capability goals in Spring 2023, with further work to identify how the capabilities could be achieved to follow.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
36
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Acknowledged
As the National Space Strategy stressed that civil and defence capabilities would be brought together wherever possible (so called ‘dual use’), more needs to be done to identify where overlapping capabilities can be brought together to exploit synergies and remove any unnecessary work and reduce costs. One example of this …
Government response. The government has re-established the National Space Council as an Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the DSIT Secretary of State, to consider issues relating to prosperity, diplomacy, and national security in space.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
37
Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy and U…
Accepted
Despite some potentially purposeful activity—including the establishment of the National Space Council and the National Space Board and the publication of two over-lapping high-level strategies (the National, and the Defence, space strategies)— the disbanding of the National Space Council is set to undo these efforts, with the responsibilities and interaction …
Government response. The Prime Minister has re-established the National Space Council as an Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the DSIT Secretary of State, to coordinate overall Government policy on space-related issues.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
1
Conclusion
Seventh Report - UK space strategy and …
Accepted
The evidence that we have taken indicated that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) got off to a slow start with implementing the spaceflight regulations. Some people in the launch sector reported that their engagement with the CAA was more cumbersome than they would have wished. However, it is clear that …
Government response. The government committed to a Post Implementation Review (PIR) of the Space Industry Act 2018, which began on 1 September 2023 and will conclude by 31 March 2024, involving three distinct phases including consultation with the space sector.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
2
Recommendation
Seventh Report - UK space strategy and …
Accepted
It is clear from the evidence that we have taken that more certainty around licencing timelines could bring benefits to the UK launch sector, through providing a signal that the UK is ready and open for business. Throughout the licencing process the Civil Aviation Authority should seek to keep licence …
Government response. The government states the CAA has launched improvement projects to simplify the applicant journey and streamline the licensing and monitoring process, including long-term efficiency work. Revised Regulator's Licensing Rules have also been published to simplify information requirements, addressing the need …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
3
Recommendation
Seventh Report - UK space strategy and …
Acknowledged
Following the initial launch attempt, it is clear that there are streamlining improvements that should be made to ensure that the regulatory processes leading up to launch are best aligned. The Government should convene all of the regulatory bodies involved with licencing and ensure that: • There is consistency in …
Government response. The government is undertaking targeted reviews of the space sector regulatory environment to incorporate lessons learned from the first UK launch, and the UK Space Agency has begun implementing changes based on identified lessons, with a summary to be published …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
4
Recommendation
Seventh Report - UK space strategy and …
Not Addressed
Due to the complex nature of conducting launches from the UK, where many countries’ airspace is involved, it is not surprising to hear that this has been a challenge for both launch companies and the Civil Aviation Authority. The Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority should continue their …
Government response. The government response describes an upcoming meeting of the Space Sector Industry Forum, which doesn't directly address the recommendation to create ongoing agreements with necessary nations on airspace use.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
5
Recommendation
Seventh Report - UK space strategy and …
Deferred
We are pleased to see the progress being made at spaceports across the country and with the pace at which SaxaVord Spaceport, which has been almost entirely privately funded, is developing. SaxaVord Spaceport is now likely to be the first spaceport ready for vertical orbital launch activities. International experience shows …
Government response. The government deflected from addressing financial support for the UK launch sector by referencing a letter about publishing outcomes of work on Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) by autumn.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
6
Conclusion
Seventh Report - UK space strategy and …
Accepted
Whilst we welcome the progress being made on the creation of the National Space Council, we are disappointed that it was only after our questioning on the topic that the Government confirmed that the group would be established. The UK space and satellite sector is much more than a “nascent …
Government response. The government confirms the re-instated National Space Council held its inaugural meeting in July 2023, tasked with coordinating strategic space matters across government. This council is underpinned by the senior officials-level National Space Board.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
7
Recommendation
Seventh Report - UK space strategy and …
Accepted
The establishment of the Space Sector Industry Forum provides an opportunity for the Government to take advice from space and satellite sector experts. The Government should appoint a leader from the sector to ensure the success of this Forum by the end of 2023, in the same manner as when …
Government response. The government accepts the recommendation, stating that the Space Sector Industry Forum will be co-chaired by Minister George Freeman and the Chair of UKSpace, bringing together industry and academia to provide advice.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
8
Recommendation
Seventh Report - UK space strategy and …
Deferred
The Government continues to delay key decisions that need to be made about the UK’s critical Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities. It has long promised to update its PNT strategy but work on this topic has been passed between departments and teams and is yet to amount to any …
Government response. The government defers the publication of its Position, Navigation and Timing Strategy, stating DSIT hopes to publish the outcome of its work by autumn of this year at the latest, rather than alongside the report response as recommended.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology