Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 36
36
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 167
As the National Space Strategy stressed that civil and defence capabilities would be brought together...
Recommendation
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 is considering whether the Skynet system, which is continuing to receive significant public investment, could provide civilian communication services. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Ministry of Defence should map out the civil and defence uses and potential uses of other aspects of space and identify areas where existing and emerging capabilities could safely provide joint value. This work should be published no later than the end of February 2023, including an implementation plan of how civil and defence applications will be linked further over the next 5–10 years.
Government Response Summary
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.
Paragraph Reference:
167
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Prime Minister has re-established the National Space Council as an Inter-Ministerial Group, reaffirming government’s commitment to Space. The National Space Council will be Chaired by the DSIT Secretary of State and will consider issues relating to prosperity, diplomacy and national security in, through and from space, as part of coordinating overall Government policy. Items will be referred to the appropriate Cabinet Committee for collective decision, as required. 20 Government Response: UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure