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- The UK government has pledged £1.84 billion for vital space programs at this year’s European Space Agency Council of Ministers meeting in Paris.
- The investment will cover a range of programs from space stabilization to supporting the UK-built Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover.
- Up to £200 million has also been committed to support the Earth observation sector as the EU continues to delay engagement with the Copernicus programme.
Science, Research and Innovation Minister George Freeman, who led successful talks in Paris with the UK Space Agency, secured record commitments to develop the UK space sector and build on earlier investments in the National Space Strategy Ambitions, 2019.
The landmark deals include:
- Significant UK investment of £315 million in Earth observation and climate programmes: a 45% increase, using funds earmarked to support the sector for Copernicus participation while EU program associations face delays.
- ESA A commitment to the UK-built Rosalind Franklin Mars rover, which is set to launch to Mars in 2028, will see UK industry play a leading role in developing the new landing platform.
- UK leadership in space sustainability through satellite management, maintenance and recovery to support the UK’s ambitions to lead in global space sustainability regulation and innovation
- The UK’s leading involvement in commercially focused programmes, including communications and navigation, led to further innovation in the satellite industry.
- The UK’s lead in the Vigil space weather mission, which will travel to a point in deep space known as L5 and provide early warning of dangerous solar storms, will enhance and secure monitoring capabilities, while supporting expertise delivered by the UK Met Office’s Space Weather. Operation Center
- Enables the UK to set standards for satellite climate measurements, with funding secured for further development of the TRUTHS mission, which was first proposed by scientists at the National Physical Laboratory to deliver a 10x increase in the accuracy of climate measurements.
As a founding member of ESA, which is independent of the EU, the UK’s space and commercial satellite sector will play a leading role in future international missions and innovative commercial programmes. The UK space sector has more than 47,000 jobs, generating an estimated £16.5 billion each year.
Satellites provide vital insight into the climate and our environment, and the UK is committed to being at the forefront of Earth observation technology in the National Space Strategy. New investments will allow working with the UK ESA To use space to fight climate change and deliver programs that support our national interest.
George Freeman, UK Minister for Science, Research and Innovation said:
The rapidly growing global commercial space sector is driving a new space race for geopolitical and commercial soft-power. This is the frontline of our science superpower mission.
Space is fundamentally a collaborative endeavour, so the European Space Agency Council of Ministers was an important opportunity to deepen our international relations with the goal of advancing space technology for the benefit of all.
I am pleased to return from the meeting with such a strong package of commitments, as well as to support our outstanding Earth observation sector, to protect us from the uncertainty resulting from the EU’s delay, as we continue. Invention of Copernicus Association.
These new investments will support the ongoing growth of the UK space and commercial satellite sector – creating new jobs around the UK from Cornwall to the north of Scotland – and securing UK leadership in space sustainability. They will put our scientists and engineers at the forefront of some of the world’s most important missions and programs that drive transformative innovation.
The UK pledged £615 million ESA’s core space science budget, securing opportunities for UK companies to bid for high-value contracts and establishing new scientific leadership roles for UK universities. upcoming ESA Science missions range from the search for rocky Earth-like planets outside our solar system (Plato) to sending the first Gravitational Wave Observatory into space (LISA).
The UK space sector will benefit from the following commitments:
- £217 million towards the global exploration programme, supporting robotic missions to Mars and contributing to the Artemis Moon programme, including Argonaut (the European Large Logistics Lander), the Gateway Space Station and a commercial lunar communications system.
- £206 million for telecommunications programmes, building on the success of the European Center for Space Applications and Telecommunications in Harval, to enable faster 5G and future 6G connectivity, develop new optical and quantum communications systems and support constellations of low Earth orbit satellites.
- £111 million to strengthen space safety and security, improve predictability and build resilience to dangerous space weather, protect critical national infrastructure, address the growing challenge of space debris and catalyze growth and further investment in high potential areas including in-orbit satellite servicing and production
- £71 million to support new technologies, help small businesses develop new ideas and products, reduce dependence on non-European nations for vital electrical and electronic components, support emerging areas such as space-based solar energy and build radioisotope heat and power systems . From nuclear waste, to fuel a new generation of missions
Through our investments in ESA, we are taking part in a range of ambitious programs that will help keep the UK at the forefront of Earth observation technology and knowledge. This includes investment in Aeolus-2, ESA Additional, targeted funding to Digital Twin Earth and InCubed-2, as well as TRUTHS and FutureEO programs. A package of measures delivered by ESAA total of £122 million as part of a wider program of support for the UK Earth Observation sector.
Additional investments include £30 million on satellite navigation innovations and £13 million to support commercial spaceflight, as we count towards the first satellite launch from UK soil.
Dr Paul Batt, CEO of the UK Space Agencysaid:
From protecting our own planet to exploring new worlds, we invest in these programs because they benefit humanity and deliver strong returns to the UK economy.
Our membership ESA adds significant firepower to our national space ambitions, complementing the work of the UK Space Agency to catalyze investment, deliver new missions and capabilities and champion the power of space for businesses and people across the country.
Together, these represent the most ambitious and comprehensive package of investments ESA ever. This also comes in the wake of last week’s financial statement, in which the Chancellor pledged to maintain the UK’s commitment. R&D Investment of £20 billion per year from 2024 to 2025.
John Henley, Chairman of UKSpace And Kevin Craven, CEO ADS, the trade body for the aerospace, defense, security and space sectors said:
Government support for space recognizes the role that space can play in helping us better understand our planet, grow and scale our economy, ensure our security and deliver the essential services that each of us relies on on a daily basis. Invest in this ESA Demonstrates continued commitment to investing in essentials R&D Which is the foundation of every successful space-faring nation.
The government team has achieved a great deal for the space sector in the UK CMIN22 Because we know that difficult financial choices have to be made across the economy and research shows that over time, every pound invested ESA Generates a return of £10 to the UK economy.
We look forward to working in partnership with the government to leverage these valuable assets R&D Investments and develop the operational capabilities we need and unlock our potential to become a key partner in the space on the global stage.
Copernicus and Earth Observation
The investments come in the context of continued delays from the EU in agreeing the UK’s accession to EU research programmes, including the Copernicus Earth Observation programme.
As a result of this uncertainty, the Earth observation sector has faced instability, which is why the Government today announced a package of up to £200 million in support, which has been deployed as part of the funding initially allocated to the EU Program Association, and which has not yet It has been used for this purpose for 2 years in view of the ongoing delay.
£122 million of the package is committed to segment 5 ESAof outstanding programmes, a further £66 million has been allocated to 12 UK-led projects.
The package covers a strong range of national and international projects in all aspects of the field, from the collection and processing, to the use of Earth observation data. There is a strong focus on climate and meteorology, building on the UK’s significant strengths in this area, while directly benefiting the UK economy and supporting our shared global ambition to tackle climate change.
See more information on the Copernicus Mitigation Package.
Notes to editors
1. All subscriptions to ESA Programs are made in Euros so GBP figures are subject to foreign exchange rates.
2. The total investment figure includes £378 million to manage the effects of inflation and volatility in foreign exchange rates.
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