A conference on the future the UK space industry is being held in central London on Friday February 15th.
The event, staged by the Westminster Business Forum, will be an opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the next steps for the UK space sector as the industry sets out its vision for growth, and in the context of a possible sector deal.
There will be keynote contributions from Catherine Mealing-Jones, director of growth at the UK Space Agency; Tim Just, head of space at Innovate UK and Nick Appleyard, head of downstream business applications at the European Space Agency.
Delegates will assess the infrastructure, technology and investment that will be required to drive innovation, and support the development of commercial spaceflight, following the Space Industry Act which provides the regulatory framework to enable the UK’s launch capability.
It follows the Government’s decision to no longer seek access to the secure aspects of the European Galileo satellite navigation system and explore the possibility of building its own system.
Against the backdrop of Brexit and increasing European competition, delegates will also consider what is needed in policy terms - and from the sector itself - to enable the UK to become a global space hub and a European leader for space services.
With the UK Space Growth Partnership’s Prosperity from Space Strategy laying the foundation for a space sector deal and national space programme, delegates will also discuss what will be needed to achieve its vision of significant growth in exports and inward investment as part of a £500bn boost to the economy.
The Strategy highlights the potential for growing a diverse workforce and attracting young people into the industry to help tackle the skills gap, whilst continuing to attract international talent, and improving diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
The agenda looks at the future shape of partnerships to enable development of UK spaceports, as well as the wider economic and environmental impact on local communities as they seek to develop clusters in spaceport locations following the Government’s initiative to award funding for four potential spaceports.
Further sessions will focus on international cooperation and the UK’s position in the global space market and following the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Australia on exchange of talent and technology.
Delegates will also consider the regulatory framework for UK space, following the introduction of the Traffic Light System which aims to streamline the licensing processes for satellite operators, considering what else is needed from regulators and policymakers to develop a safe but efficient regulatory regime in light of changing technological and commercial trends.
Further speakers include: Stephen Eisele, vice president, Virgin Orbit; Professor Anu Ojha, director of the National Space Academy and Paul Adams, head of aerospace, defence and security at Vendigital.
The seminar is CPD certified.
For more details about the event and for those interested in attending visit:
www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/conference/uk-space-industry-2019
