UK Trade & Investment hosted a seminar showcasing the overall UK Space Offering.  The more than 100 participants learned about UK Space Sector opportunities, including how to collaborate in target science areas and tap into R&D funding. The discussion focused on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, the site of the European Space Agency’s new R&D facility and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.  The seminar was followed by a reception hosted by British Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Dominick Chilcott, where the guest of honor was Buzz Aldrin, the second man ever to set foot on the moon.  

The 11 May conference particularly considered the following uses of space technology:

• Climate Change: Assimilation of satellite observation data into climate models to improve prediction of the effects of climate change on the economy and society.
• Space Exploration: Robotics for planetary exploration, rapid prototyping of new space technologies, novel power sources for space exploration (e.g. nuclear), planetary protection to avoid cross contamination of space vehicles.
• Application of Space Data: Practical services for commercial gain and/or public good using space-based data (telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation).

Please click below for the presentations from the special UK Guest Speakers:

• Dr Ian Gibson, Deputy Director, Space Technology & Industrial Policy, British National Space Centre
• Professor Richard Holdaway, Director of Space Science and Technology, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
• John Gallimore, Farnborough Air Consortium Space Network and UK Task Force on Space
• Chris Beck, R&D Programme Specialist, UK Trade & Investment

The space sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the UK, with a projected growth of over 5% per year. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in partnership with the British National Space Centre (BNSC) is organising a two day conference (July 22-23) in the UK to explore the opportunities for your organisation in this expanding market. 

For more information on the conference, please click here or contact Holly Walker at on holly.walker@fco.gov.uk and 202-588-6690.

Back to newsroom

Back to top