Overview
- The UK published the new national space strategy this week, committing £7.8 billion through 2030 with more than £3 billion earmarked for defence space capabilities.
- Defence priorities include a formal 'Control of Space Requirement' and a planned £880 million for space control and ISR work to track threats and protect satellites.
- Civil and dual-use funding targets resilience and services with £2.8 billion for satellite connectivity programmes, £149 million for ESA’s Vigil mission, and £85 million to upgrade the National Space Operations Centre.
- The strategy backs domestic access to orbit with £30 million for SaxaVord Spaceport, £148 million for European rocket programmes, and £40 million for in‑orbit servicing and debris removal technology.
- Next steps require the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade to publish an integrated civil–defence delivery roadmap and further defence space policy and ISAM guidance later this year, which will shape procurement and industry plans.