The UK government has launched a new space strategy to strengthen national security and drive growth in the space sector. The plan brings government investment and activity under a single framework, as per a recent press statement.
The strategy carries £7.8 billion in backing until 2030. It replaces the National Space Strategy published in 2021 and supports the wider Modern Industrial Strategy.
Space Domain Awareness sits at the heart of the plan. Projects include £149 million for the European Space Agency’s Vigil mission and £85 million for the National Space Operations Centre. These investments will give Britain earlier warning of satellite collisions, hostile activity and solar storms.
A further £880 million will strengthen the UK’s space control and surveillance capabilities. This funding will support technologies that track military activity and detect potential attacks on satellites. £2.8 billion will boost connectivity, including the SKYNET defence communications programme that keeps Armed Forces connected worldwide.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the plan will help keep Britain secure while creating opportunities for UK industry. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting added that the government is investing over £3 billion to ensure defence capabilities in space keep pace with growing threats.
The strategy also allocates £40 million for in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing technologies. These will support satellite repair and debris removal. A further £148 million will go towards European rocket programmes, alongside £30 million for SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland.
Industry bodies including UKspace and the ADS Group welcomed the strategy, citing the need for sustained government-industry collaboration. The UK space sector is currently worth £18.6 billion and supports more than 55,000 jobs.
Learn more on The UK MoD website
