The UK space industry had a turnover of £11.8bn in 2012/13.1 By 2030, the UK Government and industry want this to grow to £40bn. In December 2015 the Government published the UK’s first National Space Policy, which sets out its vision for achieving growth. This POSTnote describes the UK space industry and potential barriers to growth.
UK Commercial Space Activities (441 KB , PDF)
Forty years ago government was the main customer of the UK space industry. Today, the space industry provides commercial services to a vast range of sectors. Almost all television content passes through a satellite at least once before it reaches the home and the use of satellite navigation in transport is ubiquitous. In 2012/13 the space industry contributed £5.1bn to GDP (comparable to the rail transport sector) and grew by 4.1% (annual growth has averaged over 8% since 1999/2000).
Along with spacescience activities, the space industry plays a key role in inspiring young people to take up scientific careers.In recent years, government and industry have taken steps to promote the UK space industry. The Space Innovation and Growth Strategy (IGS), was first published in 2010 and updated in 2015. A key achievement of the IGS has been the setting up of the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to oversee all UK civil (non-military) space activities, as well as a network of bodies to promote growth. This note describes:
UK Commercial Space Activities (441 KB , PDF)
Space-based assets (satellites and the terrestrial ground stations that communicate with them) provide critical support to military and civilian operations. They are vulnerable to unintentional damage and disruption, and to deliberate attack. This POSTnote outlines how the UK uses and accesses satellites, potential risks to satellites, and approaches to mitigation.
Buildings have varied impacts on the environment, arising from energy, water and land use as well as the release of pollutants. Residential buildings also affect occupants’ health and wellbeing through their design and placement within the wider environment. This POSTnote summarises the factors affecting a building’s environmental performance, the existing governance framework and the potential opportunities for delivering wider social benefits through relevant standards.
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