Recommendations & Conclusions
20 items
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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