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Second Report - UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure

Science, Innovation and Technology Committee HC 100 Published 4 November 2022
Report Status
Government responded
Conclusions & Recommendations
37 items (29 recs)
Government Response
AI assessment · 37 of 37 classified
Accepted 16
Accepted in Part 3
Acknowledged 11
Deferred 3
Not Addressed 2
Rejected 2
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Recommendations

29 results
1 Rejected
Para 26

We understand that, once fully launched, the OneWeb low Earth orbit constellation will provide broadband...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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2 Accepted in Part
Para 27

Since the UK’s purchase of OneWeb, the number of shareholders has continued to grow.

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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 OneWeb employs over 500 people, with approximately 70% based in the UK.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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3 Accepted in Part
Para 28

We acknowledge that OneWeb could bring additional benefits to the UK if it carried out...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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 British manufacturing opportunities for Gen2, but does not guarantee manufacturing in the UK.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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6 Deferred
Para 43

Considering the importance of developing secure access to PNT services, we are disappointed that the...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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 develop and publish documents, strategies, or plans.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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7 Accepted
Para 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 … Read more
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.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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8 Accepted
Para 57

The UK is world-leading in Earth Observation (EO) science and technologies.

Recommendation
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 … Read more
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, but does not provide any actions to specifically support the transition to Net Zero using EO or set out detailed actions.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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9 Accepted

The UK space sector remains strongly in favour of maintaining the UK’s participation in the...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
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, but did not publish a 'Plan B' for Copernicus.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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10 Accepted
Para 69

The Government and the UK space sector have made significant steps towards developing a UK...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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11 Accepted in Part
Para 76

We understand that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is considering changes to its approach to...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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13 Accepted
Para 80

The Government must take steps to ensure that the CAA is appropriately resourced to meet...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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14 Acknowledged
Para 86

We are disappointed that a launch from the UK has not yet been achieved, especially...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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 2024 onwards.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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15 Rejected

We are concerned that the delay in achieving the first UK launch is partly due...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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16 Accepted

The publication of the Space Industry Regulations in July 2021 was a vital step that...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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 FAA and US Government.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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17 Accepted
Para 93

Although we believe that UK Space Agency (sponsored by BEIS) and the Ministry of Defence...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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18 Deferred
Para 95

We commend the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s approach to promoting the sustainable...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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19 Accepted
Para 98

We commend the Government’s latest announcements which will encourage the UK space industry to use...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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21 Acknowledged
Para 103

Research has already shown the UK has the potential to be a world leader in...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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23 Acknowledged
Para 108

Space-based projects, including fundamental research and development of new and especially wholly novel technologies, generally...

Recommendation
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, … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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24 Accepted
Para 113

The current procurement systems are limiting the growth of the UK space sector and SMEs...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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25 Accepted
Para 118

Clusters, such as those in Harwell and Glasgow, can be established in different ways and...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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 strategies and supporting the development of local space clusters.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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26 Acknowledged

The Satellite Applications Catapult has been instrumental in securing the establishment and development of space...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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27 Accepted
Para 124

The UK’s involvement in the European Space Agency (ESA) has brought a wide range of...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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 on space science/exploration science missions and working with priority countries on pillar 2 of the National Space Strategy.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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29 Accepted
Para 144

The space sector is suffering from a skills shortage, with experienced employees and those with...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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) Programme, with increased funding in 2023 and plans for expansion in 2024 and 2025.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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30 Acknowledged
Para 145

Companies often find it difficult to recruit employees with considerable experience, but we think companies...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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33 Not Addressed
Para 157

We are reassured that the Government has set up a national space board that is...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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34 Acknowledged
Para 158

We share the space sector’s concern that there has been no announced uplift in public...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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35 Deferred
Para 162

While we accept that the scope of the UK space industry is quickly changing and...

Recommendation
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. … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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36 Acknowledged
Para 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 … Read more
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.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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37 Accepted

Despite some potentially purposeful activity—including the establishment of the National Space Council and the National...

Recommendation
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 … Read more
Government Response Summary
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
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Conclusions (8)

Observations and findings
4 Conclusion Accepted
Para 41
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 Summary
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.
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5 Conclusion Acknowledged
Para 42
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 Summary
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.
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12 Conclusion Accepted
Para 79
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 Summary
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 provide guidance as they navigate the regulatory framework.
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20 Conclusion Accepted
Para 100
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 Summary
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.
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22 Conclusion 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 Summary
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.
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28 Conclusion 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 Summary
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.
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31 Conclusion 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 Summary
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.
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32 Conclusion Acknowledged
Para 156
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 Summary
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.
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