UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) (SPA0044)

UK Research and Innovation Response to the House of Lords Inquiry into UK Engagement with Space

Introduction

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) welcomes the Space Select Committee inquiry into UK Engagement with Space. Through our written response, we aim to provide the committee with information on UKRI's role as a major delivery organisation for space science research and innovation in the UK.

Launched in 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the largest public funder of research and innovation in the UK. UKRI has responsibility for 45% of public research and innovation investment and works across government to maximise the impact of all research and innovation activity. UKRI brings together seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK (IUK). Together we connect discovery to prosperity and public good, enriching lives and enabling high productivity economic growth, job creation and high-quality public services across the UK. 

As the primary public funder and facilitator of space science research and innovation in the UK, we

Support the delivery, alongside the UKSA, of the National Space Strategy.

Invest in >£180m per year in space science, and science in space[1] looking upwards and downwards, to better understand space through space science, technology and missions, and to use science in space to better understand our planet.

Provide national space infrastructure to research and commercial sectors that provides cutting edge R&D capabilities for researchers in academia and industry (Examples include RAL Space, UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UKATC), the Satellite Applications Catapult and The National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO)).

Support pioneering approaches to the use of space data and technologies for both scientific discovery and our exploration of the universe, alongside harnessing the power of space data, AI and Quantum techniques for terrestrial applications to tackle real world challenges.

Drive innovation fostering collaboration between industry and academia to better support the translation of innovation and development of novel products and services for the UK to pioneer through our schemes and clusters.

Deliver a wide-ranging skills programme fostering researchers to be leaders in the development and exploitation of the space environment, development of technologies and co-delivery of missions that advance fundamental scientific discovery through to innovation that support the space sector, as well as inspiring the public to engage with space, and science and technology more broadly.

The opportunities and challenges relating to the UK space sector

Comparative Strengths of the UK Space Sector

The UK is fourth in the world for publications of space research, and as a country has the second highest share of the most highly cited scientific papers in space literature[2]. UKRI and UK scientists, have and will continue to have, an ongoing significant role in developing and accessing outputs from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) through its partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. UK Scientists based at UKATC and RAL Space led the European consortium that designed, built, and tested the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), a major scientific instrument on board the JWST. UKRI has also appointed fellows to promote the science of JWST to schools, scientific communities, and the public.

The UK’s space sector holds significant strengths, particularly in critical technological areas such as photonics, advanced electronics, and quantum technologies. These capabilities have been primarily cultivated through investment programmes with terrestrial applications, presenting a distinct opportunity for expansion into space-related applications. However, the sector faces challenges resulting from political and economic shifts, notably the ongoing consequences of Brexit, which has led to exclusion from EU programmes such as EuroQCI. This exclusion restricts access to certain critical services, applications, and supply chains.

Supporting Growth in the UK’s Space Sector

Alongside the UK Space Agency (UKSA), UKRI creates a comprehensive research and innovation ecosystem needed to underpin a successful national space sector. This involves provision of grant funding to support space science and technology research and innovation; enabling access to national and international research infrastructure; driving the translation of scientific and technological innovations into novel commercial products and services; and delivering the wide range of skills needed to support the UK’s space sector.

The ESA Business Incubation Programme (ESA BIC), co-funded by UK Space Agency and co-funded and operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), exemplifies substantial economic and innovation-driven impact. It provides early-stage UK Space tech startups with non-dilutive funding awards, funded technical support from the UKRI scientific facilities, and commercial coaching delivered by serial entrepreneurs over a structured 12-24 month support programme. The support accelerates the startups’ time to market and helps to them raise external financing to fuel their scale-up activities. Over its 15-year history, its successes include:

supporting over 170 start-ups

>30× ROI for UK government, based on cumulative direct, adjusted economic impact of >£350M vs lifetime cost of ~£11M

>£230M private equity investment crowded-in to UK start-ups

>1,000 highly-skilled and high-productivity UK jobs created or sustained

Being recognised as among the best incubators in UK and Europe[3]

Capitalising on New Space Technologies

Emerging trends in the global space economy, including space-based solar power, in-orbit servicing, active debris removal, in-space manufacturing, and the application of AI, present substantial growth opportunities. The UK already has foundational expertise in several of these technologies including space debris removal[4]. The UK also leads a sovereign satellite programme could demonstrate and validate these emerging technologies in space, thereby improving the UK's competitive position in international collaborations and supply chains.

Opportunities, challenges, and potential for growth in the different sub-sectors operating in the space sector

The priority capabilities of the National Space Strategy (NSS) will all be underpinned by research, development, innovation and support provided and funded through UKRI. To fully support the NSS, from our existing portfolio we could expand capabilities, should funding gaps be bridged:

Space Domain Awareness: sovereign capabilities, data acquisition, sensor validation

Satellite Communications: capabilities for testing; R&D into future telecoms hubs

Space PNT: targeted R&D, commercialisation support, skills, Space base Time Transfer programme

Space Manufacturing and In-space Manufacturing: develop technology roadmaps, R&D investment, evidence for regulatory challenges

Earth Observation and Downstream Applications: data analytics, environmental monitoring for essential services domestically and internationally

Earth Observation (EO) is a key strategic opportunity for the UK, and an area of growth. EO is the process of gathering information about the earth’s systems using remote sensing technologies, including data from satellites. EO R&I not only addresses fundamental scientific questions but provides essential data and insights critical for tackling global challenges such as climate change, natural disaster management, food security, and sustainable development. UKRI's activities span the full spectrum of EO R&I, from advanced sensor technology development and data analytics, to international collaboration on missions and downstream application development. This positions the UK as a global leader in deriving societal and economic value from space enabled data and technologies.

From 2022-25 UKRI delivered a number of activities on behalf of HMG through the Earth Observation Investment Package (EOIP), designed to build market confidence in the uncertainty around Copernicus negotiations post-Brexit. This investment has built up critical UK national capabilities, e.g. the Earth Observation Data Hub, designed to enable the UK to be at the forefront of UK EO data access and utilised by a broad range of sectors. The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) leads this DSIT investment, in partnership with the Met Office, UKSA, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Ordinance Survey, and others, due to the noted strengths of the NCEO, and UKRI supported leading data infrastructure, the Centre for Environmental Data Analysis (CEDA).

It is also worth noting that many of these sub-sectors overlap into other active domain research with Innovate UK, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and NERC. This is especially true of much of the applications market, the core commercial revenue of the space sector, but also applies to novel techniques for manufacturing and emergent technologies such as Quantum.

From a business perspective, the opportunities and challenges resulting from operating in the UK

The growth of space infrastructure presents substantial opportunities, especially given the critical importance of space-derived data for national priorities such as energy forecasting, climate monitoring (particularly greenhouse gas observations), defence, and geospatial analysis. Emerging areas such as space debris removal, in-orbit servicing, and vehicle development for exploration missions provide further growth potential, particularly when pursued in collaboration with international partners such as NASA, ESA, and the UKSA. However, several structural challenges (as outlined in the sub-sections below) need addressing to fully unlock the sector’s potential.

Access to Capital

Access to funding, particularly for R&D, scaling-up SMEs, and securing insurance within a robust yet enabling legal and regulatory framework remains challenging. Establishing a financial services infrastructure tailored specifically to space-sector requirements is critical. A coherent, integrated funding strategy between UKRI, UKSA, and private investors is essential to facilitate growth and attract sustained investment. Without clarity and sufficient capital, promising businesses may struggle to transition from start-ups to viable enterprises capable of international competition. UKRI, specifically Innovate UK, has developed a range of tools, mechanisms and lending facilities to help meet the needs of the high innovation and tech sector. These are equally applicable and available to the space sector and in some notable success stories have been used to great effect, although the sector as a whole could make better use of them.

Startups supported by ESA BIC UK report that UK seed investors frequently require in-orbit demonstration of their hardware (IOD) before they will invest at the Seed stage. Reaching IOD stage typically costs hundreds of thousands, if not millions of pounds. This indicates that UK investors, even those focused on technology investments, typically lack the risk appetite for space hardware investments at the Seed stage.

Government relations – the level of engagement from and with the government and the ease of collaborating with relevant departments

UKRI recognises that effective partnerships between government, academia and industry are crucial for the health of the UK space research and innovation ecosystem. We work closely with UKSA by providing scientific and technical support to help deliver the National Space Strategy and its partnership with ESA; across other government departments including MoD, Met Office, DSTL, DfT, DEFRA and the Ordnance Survey[5];  the UK academic community with an interest in space who are spread across 40 universities; and the Satellite Applications Catapult and both space and non-space sector businesses engaging with large and small companies right across the UK.

The relationship between businesses and government bodies (including UKRI, UKSA, DSIT, and MoD) is generally positive, but is focused on communication, project delivery and avoiding conflicts in programme timing, rather than deep level coordination. Creating a clear mechanism for coordinated engagement, such as through a more unified national programme, would significantly enhance interactions, reduce complexity, and speed up the transition from concept development to market readiness.

Regulatory Environment

The UK regulatory framework has considerable potential to enable growth if appropriately balanced between safety, compliance, and agility. Regulatory clarity, predictability, and adaptability to new technologies (such as active debris removal, in-space manufacturing, and innovative propulsion systems) will be critical for ensuring businesses can swiftly capitalise on new opportunities. Creating a regulatory environment that proactively facilitates, rather than inadvertently restricts, innovative developments is crucial for international competitiveness.

Access to International Markets for UK Firms and Ability to Compete with Firms in Other Countries?

UK-based businesses must have reliable pathways to international markets to scale effectively. Brexit has complicated market entry into Europe, highlighting the necessity for the UK to develop alternative, robust market linkages. UK firms currently face intense international competition, particularly from both government-backed and private-sector organisations in the US, Russia, and China, which benefit from lower costs, extensive local supply chains, and advanced technological capabilities. The UK must therefore strategically build unique strengths and capabilities, supporting businesses to position themselves effectively within global markets.

Skills and Workforce Development

Developing and maintaining a highly skilled workforce remains vital for sector growth. There is a need to reinforce and de-risk the start-up environment through targeted training, certification, and continuous professional development programmes. Such programmes, embedded within a coherent national strategy, would help secure the UK’s position in the global market and facilitate business growth and innovation.

UKRI Support for Innovation

UKRI is responsible for building a world-leading research and innovation landscape that creates the conditions for businesses to make the journey from start-up to scale-up. This is a key part of the UKRI strategy, and a focus of the government’s Science and Technology Framework.

Innovate UK (IUK) is explicitly set up to deliver tools and services in support of innovative businesses and related activities, with grant funding, loans, investor access, the business growth service, networking through business connect and infrastructure in the form of the Catapult network. Whilst IUK no longer has a specific space programme it does provide the Satellite Applications Catapult and enables access to the EU Horizon programme though delivery of the National Contact Point and related activities. IUK has directly supported, through grants or loans, over 200 business over the past five years with a typical annual spend of between £10m and £20m on space projects, in addition to the annual investment in the Satellite Applications Catapult. To note, much of this investment is in support of wider national priorities and not specifically space, the remaining balance is from the responsive mode activities open to all businesses in the UK.

Clusters, such as the Harwell Space Cluster supported by UKRI through STFC, play a critical role in overcoming many of the challenges outlined above, by providing a collaborative, supportive ecosystem where companies, research organisations, and government agencies come together. Located within the Oxford-Cambridge innovation corridor, it is home to more than 200 research and development organisations, facilitating knowledge exchange, innovation, and partnership formation across traditional sector boundaries. This environment directly supports SMEs and larger enterprises alike, fostering the rapid maturation of ideas from concept to market. With significant UK Government investment (totalling approximately £3 billion) in national facilities and infrastructures, Harwell Space Cluster is particularly well-placed to support training initiatives, skills development, and attract investment capital essential for growth. We should use our strengths to drive inwards investment into other markets through our cluster approaches, e.g. Energy and HealthTec linking in our expertise, data and skills in space.

Existing international partnerships that the UK is involved in, and the potential for future partnerships with both state and commercial actors

The UK has strong collaborative relationships both within formal institutional frameworks, such as ESA, and through bilateral and multilateral agreements with individual nations and commercial actors. The continues to remain significant potential to broaden and deepen these partnerships, particularly through more strategic coordination at a national level.

At RAL Space, almost all activities involve international collaboration, reflecting the inherently global nature of space science and technology. A longstanding engagement with ESA has enabled the UK to participate prominently in world-class projects such as the James Webb Space Telescope and provided leadership in large-scale international collaborations, including heading the international payload consortium for ESA’s Ariel mission.

NERC funds science exploitation of Earth Observation which supports UK investments in ESA programmes. Investments in ESA research and operational programmes is very important for researchers and industry, enabling UK industry to upskill, to implement and showcase new technologies and to demonstrate capabilities to other countries. ESA missions, with their UK components, are recognised on the world-stage so leading to enhanced visibility internationally.

Beyond ESA, the UK actively fosters global bilateral partnerships. The recent UK-Japan collaboration between Cross-U and Harwell Campus exemplifies a strategic approach to facilitating joint business growth, leveraging complementary capabilities and fostering technological exchange. Similarly, hosting international scientific meetings, such as the recent Biennial European Low Gravity Research Conference (ELGRA) in Liverpool, the first such UK-hosted event in over 40 years, illustrates the UK’s position and ambition as a leader in critical research areas such as microgravity science.

UKRI actively participates in leading international bodies, such as the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)’s Panel on Space Weather (currently chaired from RAL Space), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Space Environment Services (ISES), the WMO-ISES-COSPAR Coordination Team (WICCT), and various UN bodies including the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The importance of the provision of a safe operating environment in space, and how the UK can contribute to this, in particular regarding space weather and space debris

Space Domain Awareness (SDA) is a strategic priority within the implementation of the National Space Strategy (NSS). Effective SDA is essential for mitigating risks to critical national infrastructures and enabling the UK’s ambitions in other space domains, from telecommunications and Earth observation to defence and exploration missions.

The UK has made substantial progress in SDA through the establishment of two dedicated national centres:

Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre (MOSWOC), operational since 2014, provides 24/7 monitoring and prediction of severe space weather events, crucial for safeguarding national infrastructure.

National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC), jointly led by the UK Space Agency and MoD Space Command since 2024, monitors UK space assets, managing risks such as collisions, fragmentation, and uncontrolled re-entry.

UKRI is closely integrated with both MOSWOC and NSpOC, delivering essential science and observational capabilities. UKRI, through STFC’s RAL Space and NERC, has led the £20M Space Weather Instrumentation, Measurement, Modelling and Risk (SWIMMR) programme from 2019 to 2025, in collaboration with the Met Office, successfully transferring cutting-edge academic research into operational services for MOSWOC. This programme has delivered six advanced space weather models and new instrument datasets, greatly enhancing MOSWOC’s predictive and analytical capabilities.

Similarly, STFC’s Chilbolton Observatory supports NSpOC through advanced radar and optical tracking of UK satellites, building on previous UK participation in the European EU-SST programme, an initiative the UK exited following Brexit. The £10M National Centre for Space Situational Awareness (NCSSA) programme (2023–2028) further enhances this capability by upgrading the Chilbolton radar, introducing radar-imaging, improved tracking, increased sensitivity, and capabilities to monitor space objects with uncertain trajectories. This directly supports UK sovereign SDA capabilities and aligns with NSS objectives.

A critical future challenge is ensuring the continuity of such strategically-aligned programmes. With the Strategic Priorities Fund ending in 2025, there is currently no clear UKRI mechanism to deliver crucial initiatives like the proposed "Research to Operations to Research" (R2O2R) programme, aimed at further integrating academic research and operational requirements for space weather.

In addition to directed SDA activities, ongoing "blue skies" research funded by UKRI (notably EPSRC, STFC and NERC) plays a vital underpinning role in building foundational knowledge and innovative techniques. Examples include improved solar observation methods, advanced solar wind and space weather models, and innovative ground-based and space-based instrumentation.

The UK’s active involvement in the ESA Space Safety programme further highlights international collaborative opportunities complementary to UK SDA ambitions, notably through ESA’s VIGIL mission and associated potential European space weather services.

The development of international space law and regulation

From the perspective of UKRI and the academic communities we support, international space law directly impacts scientific collaboration, technology transfer, and access to critical international space infrastructure. Clear regulatory frameworks around data-sharing, intellectual property rights, liability, and resource usage in space (such as orbital slots, lunar and asteroid resources, and spectrum allocation) significantly influence research activities, commercial partnerships, and academic-industry collaboration.

Additionally, as the UK increasingly pursues sovereign capabilities in SDA, space debris removal, in-orbit servicing, and emerging fields like space-based solar power and in-space manufacturing, clear international guidelines become crucial. The Satellite Applications Catapult has already developed world leading facilities in support of developing in orbit automated intervention processes and rendezvous activities at their Westcott site. The research and academic community require internationally harmonised legal frameworks to ensure that these cutting-edge activities proceed safely, responsibly, and with minimal legal and financial uncertainties.

The collaboration between academic institutions, government, and commercial space firms in the UK, including but not limited to space research and development and space spin-out and start-up firms

UKRI is strategically positioned to bridge these sectors, fostering extensive and productive partnerships. This unique positioning allows UKRI to catalyse collaborations that underpin fundamental research, accelerate technology development, and enable innovative spin-outs and start-ups.

Since 2010, the development of regional innovation clusters has become a prominent feature of the UK's approach to space sector collaboration, driven initially by the establishment of the Harwell Space Cluster (see paragraph 25). Harwell demonstrates the power of cluster models in stimulating cross-sector partnerships, rapidly commercialising research, and providing targeted facilities and expertise to businesses, academia, and government agencies.

UKRI also provides critical infrastructure and expertise, directly enabling collaborations between SMEs, universities, and industry leaders, such as Airbus Defence and Space UK and Thales Alenia Space UK. The Small Satellite Calibration Facility, a collaboration between RAL Space and NPL, offers cost-effective, rapid-access services that significantly lower entry barriers for SMEs and academic institutions seeking to develop and deploy satellite technologies. These facilities attract inward investment and international partnerships, enhancing the UK’s competitiveness. The Satellite Applications Catapult also provides a wide range of complementary facilities in both the space cluster at Harwell for near and far field antenna testing, small satellite test and assembly and at the Westcott site for drone integration testing, 5G and future telecoms sat com integration lab.

UKRI’s engagement with commercial space firms has yielded successful technology transfer and commercialisation outcomes. For example, STFC's RAL-Space developed Hyperspectral Microwave Sounder (HYMS) technology is now deployed by Spire Global to enhance weather forecasting capabilities. Targeted collaborations can transition space-derived technologies into diverse commercial markets.

The Satellite Applications Catapult and the wider Catapult network, including dedicated activities in the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, provide a convening power between elements of UKRI and both space and non-space sector businesses engaging with large and small companies right across the UK. Interactions range from the direct supply of services, including technology development and testing; to partnering with and funding collaborative research and development; partnerships in programme delivery, network-building; support for commercialisation and exploitation of IP arising from UKRI programmes; through to workspace provision, business incubation facilities and other services for new and growing businesses.

Education and skills; in particular the skills gap in the UK space sector

Addressing the skills gap within the UK space sector is a critical priority that underpins the sector’s long-term competitiveness and capacity for innovation. To achieve this, a coordinated and comprehensive approach to education, outreach, training, and professional development is essential.

UKRI supports £2bn of talent initiatives across its remit, primarily covering PhD studentships and fellowships. In the Space sector, key investments include: the NERC-funded Satellite Data for Environmental Science (SENSE) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)​, that trains cohorts of up to 20 PhD students a year, with substantial industry and university leverage; and the Rise Together Space Alliance, launched by STFC alongside other government and industry partners to establish a central hub for the UK space community, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Rise Together seeks to systematically identify and remove barriers to opportunity and career progression within the space sector, working collaboratively with complementary initiatives nationwide.

Our public engagement further exemplifies proactive, targeted initiatives aimed at inspiring and preparing young people for careers in STEM, particularly within space-related fields. Informed by the Aspires research, which highlights how early and consistent positive experiences significantly influence young people's career choices, RAL Space targets students aged 8–14 through structured and repeated engagement. In 2024, RAL Space supported 65 distinct events that collectively reached over 38,000 students and public attendees. These events are designed to build science and social capital among participants, as well as enhancing technical knowledge and enthusiasm for STEM subjects. 82% of students reported increased likelihood of pursuing STEM careers following their engagement—demonstrating the tangible impact of such initiatives.

The collaborative and supportive ecosystem found within campuses and clusters such as Harwell, significantly amplify the impact of education and skills initiatives, by facilitating knowledge exchange, mentorship opportunities, and practical skills development.

The future of UK space science and civil exploration

The UK holds a prominent position in global space science and exploration, exemplified by key leadership roles in internationally significant missions such as the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on the James Webb Space Telescope and the instrumentation development for ESA’s Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover. These flagship activities not only showcase the UK's technical excellence and innovation capabilities but also significantly contribute to the nation’s attractiveness as a hub for talent, investment, and international partnerships.

One particularly significant enabling capability for future UK involvement in ambitious scientific missions is the development of Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS). The UK possesses unique expertise, particularly in producing americium fuel pellets and developing advanced Stirling-cycle engines. However, realising this potential and maximising UK scientific engagement with these technologies will require dedicated political support, strategic funding, and clear integration into broader national space ambitions. This strategic investment is especially relevant given the rapid emergence and growth of the UK’s in-orbit servicing and manufacturing (IOSAM) capabilities. IOSAM technologies have the potential to not only support science and exploration missions but also generate substantial commercial returns, reinforcing the UK’s position in emerging global markets.

UKRI actively supports the development of cross-sector collaboration to enhance innovation in space exploration. Initiatives such as STFC’s Cross-Cluster Proof of Concept (CCPoC) demonstrate how effectively bringing together academia, industry, and governmental bodies across different sectors accelerates innovation and technology transfer. These collaborative cross-sector initiatives foster innovation, facilitate technology transfer, and open new pathways for the UK's involvement in future exploration programmes.

Maintaining and strengthening the UK’s global standing in space science and civil exploration relies on sustained, programme-level investment extending well beyond standard spending review cycles. Long-term strategic planning is crucial for developing the highly skilled workforce, world-leading facilities, and advanced technologies essential for participating in and capitalising upon international space missions. Without strategic investment clarity and predictability, UK institutions and companies face considerable challenges in effectively planning, developing, and exploiting the technologies required to secure prominent roles in future space exploration missions.

The impact of space on national security and resilience

UKRI plays an active role in supporting the UK's resilience and security agenda. Notably, facilities such as the National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF), the UK's £116m centre for testing large satellites, will test the next generation Skynet 6A satellites for the Ministry of Defence's secure military communication programme.[6]

UKRI’s involvement in programmes like the National Centre for Space Situational Awareness (NCSSA) and the Space Weather Instrumentation, Measurement, Modelling, and Risk (SWIMMR) initiative directly supports national capabilities in space situational awareness and threat mitigation. NCSSA, which is co-funded and integrated across agencies including MoD, DSTL, and UKSA, has significantly strengthened the UK's capacity to monitor and respond to space threats, particularly through enhancements to radar and optical observation capabilities at facilities such as Chilbolton Observatory. Both SWIMMR and NCSSA exemplify how UKRI and STFC strategically align research funding and facilities to support critical national resilience objectives, with demonstrable benefits in terms of enhanced national security and reduced risk exposure.

Political changes will create opportunities, for example, we predict areas such as EO to grow if the USA restricts its investment and support. Other significant gaps could appear which will provide some urgency for UK and other countries to step forward.

About UKRI  

Launched in 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the largest public funder of research and innovation in the UK. UKRI is nine councils working individually and collectively across all disciplines and sectors. Together we connect discovery to prosperity and public good, enriching lives and enabling high productivity economic growth, job creation and high-quality public services across the UK. 

UKRI invests in people, teams, places and infrastructure, strengthening the skills, organisations, and collaborations needed to explore and develop game-changing ideas within and across disciplines. We build and tune a portfolio of investments with aligned incentives to capture the benefits of research and innovation for the UK, tackling challenges from climate change to healthy aging, and harnessing the opportunities from new technologies from AI to engineering biology. UKRI works with our many partners and stakeholders to shape a dynamic, diverse and inclusive research and innovation system that gives everyone the opportunity to participate and to benefit. 

Annex 1 – UKRI’s Role in Supporting Space Research and Innovation

Our vision is to deliver and influence space research and innovation, and use the resulting data to inspire, explore and exploit new opportunities across our Universe, protect our planet and the people on it​

Data from space underpins research helping to making significant advances in important areas of science such as understanding the extent and pace of climate change, mitigating against natural hazards such as floods and forest fires and the sustainable use of natural resources by society​

Our mission is to support the UK space research and innovation ecosystem, to underpin national space capability and enable new discovery​

We deliver this through convening partnerships, catalysing new ways of working, and investing in research, innovation, skills, and infrastructure

UKRI’s space remit includes research, innovation, and capabilities that:

Enable and expand our knowledge, use, and inhabitation of space

Enable the safe, responsible, and innovative utilisation of space

Are transformative when conducted in space

Capture, exploit, and apply data from space for discovery, global challenges, and UK benefit

It also includes, but is not limited to:

Astronomy and Space Science: Ground-based astronomy (e.g., telescopes), space science, planetary exploration, space weather, and space surveillance and tracking

Space-based Earth Observation: Using satellites and related technologies* to study the Earth’s physical, chemical, biological, and human systems, develop novel environmental data streams, and create transformative applications

Economics and Innovation Studies: Supply-side and demand-side analysis, regional growth, industry trends, innovation, non-space benefits, skills analyses, cultural trends, and public engagement in space-related activities

Space Engineering: Developing technology for use in space and supporting space assets, addressing the unique challenges of launch, the space environment, and remoteness

Human Habitation of Space: Spaceflight, space medicine, terraforming, design (including space habitat design), solar geoengineering, and social sciences (e.g., social psychology, anthropology, philosophy, and ethics), as well as organisational theory and management for space missions

Space Law and Governance: Space law, international regulation, diplomacy, and international partnerships

Ground-based Microgravity Analogues: Research conducted using drop towers, long-term bedrest studies, parabolic and suborbital flights, sounding rockets, and centrifuges, contributing to astronaut health, space medicine, and food innovation

Emerging Space-Related Fields: Research into manufacturing, telecommunications, and Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems that are dependent on or enhanced by space infrastructure

*This includes the development and operation of instrumentation, tools, and technologies for processing, analysing, exploiting, and applying data for societal, economic, and environmental impact

16 April 2025