The UK Space Agency’s recent report highlights its efforts to advance the civil space sector in light of criticism from the National Audit Office.
- The agency’s initiatives include various projects to enhance the UK’s space capabilities, focusing on infrastructure and business opportunities.
- Criticism from the National Audit Office pointed to inadequate planning and funding processes within the UKSA.
- Notable projects like the SaxaVord Spaceport are set for funding, with significant infrastructure reductions reported.
- The UK Space Agency is committed to advancing its projects while addressing the identified challenges and shortcomings.
The UK Space Agency’s annual report outlines ambitious efforts to promote growth in the national space sector amid scrutiny. The report underscores its role in supporting government objectives to spur UK prosperity, enhance understanding of the cosmos, and safeguard both our planet and outer space. Such efforts are a collaboration with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, tasked with policy supervision, while UKSA manages policy execution, notably in spaceport development.
However, the National Audit Office recently highlighted deficiencies within the UKSA’s operations, specifically in planning, monitoring, evaluation, and funding allocations. According to the NAO, these processes exhibited several weaknesses, prompting calls for improvement.
In his report introduction, UK Space Agency board chair, David Willetts, emphasised new initiatives such as “Unlocking Space for Business,” the Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund, and further investments in spaceports across the UK. He particularly noted the allocation of funding in the Spring Budget towards SaxaVord Spaceport as part of the UK’s strategic space launch ambitions. Jeremy Hunt, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, reiterated this commitment in a budget statement, confirming £10 million for SaxaVord’s orbital launch preparations, contingent on due diligence.
Despite such pledges, anticipated spending on launch infrastructure has been significantly reduced. Expenditure forecasts have been cut from £112 million in the 2022 corporate plan to £38 million as per the 2024 version. While infrastructure is frequently mentioned in the report, many references pertain to research, development facilities, and digital infrastructure assets. Ground-based infrastructure pertinent to civil engineering also features, which is crucial for spaceport construction.
For instance, the report cites the construction of spaceports as vital, highlighting Virgin Orbit’s successful launch from Spaceport Cornwall in 2023 as evidence of the UK’s launch capability. It outlines priorities such as the vertical launch spaceports in the Shetland Islands and Sutherland. These sites are expected to serve as launch foundations, with SaxaVord already in possession of its spaceport and range licence, aiming for a 2024 launch in cooperation with Rocket Factory Augsburg.
Orbex oversees Spaceport Sutherland, which has progressed with infrastructure development, including power and internet access. An innovative floating road, built by Dynamic Concepts, allows for the continuation of underlying peat bog hydrology, preserving the ecological system. The UKSA report highlights investments as pivotal in engaging the UK public in space exploration, creating high-skilled, well-paid jobs in remote regions.
Moreover, the agency acknowledges the interconnectedness of critical national infrastructure with space, especially where transportation and communications systems rely on satellite navigation systems like GPS. Board members, experienced in critical national infrastructure resilience and security, further reinforce UKSA’s commitment to integrating space with essential national services.
The UK Space Agency remains resolved to advancing its space initiatives despite facing critical assessments.
