Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted
Paragraph: 52
We understand that the UK space sector has significant concerns about the current and future...
Recommendation
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 communicate clearly with the space sector to ensure that there is a good understanding about any impact on the UK’s access to data from Copernicus if the UK does withdraw from the programme. BEIS and UKSA must conduct a consultation of how the space sector expects to be impacted if participation is not possible, with a particular focus on loss of access to data. The results of this consultation should be made public. Further, the UK Government should seek assurances from the EU, that if the UK does associate and invest the planned €750 million, its access rights will remain the same as all other countries participating in the programme.
Government Response Summary
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.
Paragraph Reference:
52
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Earth Observation (EO) is a vital science and a growing industry, and we are investing in projects which benefit our planet and grow our economy. EO supports the UK’s strategic priorities and net zero ambitions—more than half of key climate variables are only measurable from space. The Government were acutely aware of the challenges facing the sector as a result of the EU’s ongoing delays in confirming the UK’s participation in the EU Copernicus programme. That is why on 23 November 2022 this Government announced almost £400m of new investment in Earth Observation. Around £200m of this investment was through subscription to European Space Agency (ESA) EO programmes as part of our ambitious investment strategy secured at the ESA Council of Ministers. On top of that, we committed a further £200m to an Earth Observation Investment Package of ESA and national activities that was designed to mitigate the impact of the ongoing non- association with the Copernicus programme. This funding comes from the budget we set aside for our association to Copernicus. The funding will be spread across 17 projects being delivered through the UK Space Agency (UKSA), The Met Office and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Investing in the UK EO sector is a vital part of achieving our ambitions in space and aligning with the National Space strategy, but it is just the first step – providing an interim response to what we have been hearing are their biggest challenges. We will continue to work with the sector to identify strategic priorities to keep building on the world-leading excellence in UK EO for decades to come. Participation in Copernicus remains an option, but these actions demonstrate the commitment to supporting the sector and mitigating the impacts of the ongoing delays. Development of Launch