UK government lays out 'refreshed approach to space' including boosted comms and defence capabilities

Date:
Thu, 10 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Description:
7.8 billion has been earmarked to support the UKs national security and defense plans between now and 2030, boosting satellite communications and identifying threats from space

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter The British government is using its UK Space Strategy to drive growth and reindustrialise the country 7.8 billion fund will back the project until 2030 Funding will boost European rocket programs, space science and exploration, rail connectivity, astronomy and space science research, and space weather forecasting The British government has announced a multi-faceted UK Space Strategy which seeks to reindustrialise the country with a 7.8 billion investment between now and 2030. Uniting a number of scientific and communications programs, the
strategy is also part of the UKs defense plans, which have been under fire in recent months.

While improved rail connectivity and satellite communications for rural communities will make a difference to everyday life, the program is largely focused on various scientific research projects, from pioneering orbital assembly and manufacturing to exploration and extraterrestrial weather. Replacing 2021s National Space Strategy, the UK Space Strategy is backed by two key ministers, and supported by various bodies with an interest in
orbital research, science, and defene. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch
full video here: Research and ISAM The 7.8 billion fund is intended for a variety of purposes, unified under the UK Space Strategy. These include a 149 million contribution to the European Space Agencys (ESA) Vigil mission, and 880 million to improve space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, technologies that enable the UK to monitor military activity and protect assets in orbit.

A further 2.8 billion aims to strengthen the connectivity in Low Earth Orbit and SKYNET defense communications programs. You may like Why the UKs quantum procurement strategy matters more than the 2bn headline Europes tech reset gives the UK a chance to lead on security and sovereignty Britain should turn Ukrainian wartime innovation into shared leadership

The UK government expects the UKs space sector to grow beyond its current
18.6 billion value, with further funds allocated to rail connectivity (57 million), developing SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland (30 million) and space science and exploration missions (163 million). Projects like the Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover are cited in the announcement, with an indication that similar projects can be part of the reindustrialization program.

Representatives from UKspace (a space industry trade association), ADS Group (a similar body for aerospace, defense, security and space businesses), the Space Academic Network, and the Met Office have thrown their weight behind
the UK Space Strategy. In addition, there is support from Joanne Wheeler,
MBE, director of the Earth & Space Sustainability Initiative. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get
all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting
your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. A new frontier A pair of prominent politicians back the UK Space Strategy, with Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, stating "As space becomes a new frontier of economic and military competition, this plan will help keep Britain secure by
strengthening our ability to launch satellites, detect threats and protect
the services people rely on every day.

Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, said: As threats in orbit grow more sophisticated, so must our ability to detect and respond to them, ensuring we protect the interests of the UK and allies while fueling economic growth along the way.

Streeting also referred to the Defence Investment Plan, a commitment to increase defense spending to 2.7% of GDP by 2029, as part of the UKs move towards a NATO commitment of 5% GDP by 2035. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/uk-government-lays-out-refreshed-approach-to-spa ce-including-boosted-comms-and-defence-capabilities


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)