UK National Space Strategy 2027-2035 Overview
The United Kingdom has released a new national space strategy focusing on defence, national security, and economic growth for the period of 2027-2035, supported by over £7.8 billion (approximately $10.6 billion) in spending through 2030.
Key Priorities
The strategy prioritizes four essential subsectors for fast-tracked development:
- Satellite Communications
- Space Domain Awareness
- In-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM)
- Access to Space (UK-based space launch)
These sectors were chosen for their potential growth, relevance to the economy, alignment with defence priorities, and contribution to a competitive space sector.
Major Development Efforts
While specific details on the Ministry of Defence (MoD) investments remain vague, several critical initiatives have been highlighted:
- Development of independently-operable space domain awareness capabilities.
- Establishment of independent Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
- Creation of a “sovereign” and resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) infrastructure.
- Innovation in novel space technologies.
Space Control Commitment
The UK government has committed to achieving “space control,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining freedom of action in space and ensuring the protection of allied interests.
Integrated Roadmap
The strategy outlines a plan for the MoD and the Department of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade to connect civil and defence technology advancements, to be detailed in future updates to defence space policy.
Financial Investments
The largest investment outlined is £880 million allocated for ISR and space control activities from 2026 to 2030, focusing on developing sovereign ISR systems and partnering on the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project.
By 2035, the UK aims to establish a secure, assured ISR capability that enhances national security and economic growth. The document notes continued investment in ongoing projects like the £968 million ISTARI program for a multi-satellite ISR constellation.
Civil and Defence Collaboration
While the MoD will play a role in ISAM capabilities, the UK Space Agency will lead investments in commercial initiatives. Notably, guidance for ISAM and lunar missions is expected to be published later this year.
In PNT development, civilian agencies will lead the majority of initiatives, but the MoD will focus on creating technologies for independent global timing solutions.
Novel Technologies Funding
The strategy plans for the MoD to allocate at least 10% of its annual Equipment Programme budget to novel technologies, including a commitment of £420 million for accelerating innovative space capabilities.
