Lift off for Farnborough International Space Show

In a landmark speech delivered at the opening of Farnborough International Space Show on 19 March, Industry Minister Sarah Jones underscored the critical role of space infrastructure in day-to-day life and national security. Speaking in the wake of the return of two astronauts stranded in space for nine months, Jones emphasised the public’s limited awareness of the significance of space technology and its impact on their everyday lives, as the focus is on sensational headlines.

“Moments like these make people realise space is out there, but they don’t fully grasp its impact on our everyday lives,” she said. “From air travel to communications to defence systems, everything is increasingly reliant on what happens in space.”

Government’s commitment to UK space sector

Jones reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the UK’s space sector, highlighting its pivotal role in the nation’s industrial strategy. “The UK space economy is outpacing the wider economy in terms of growth, and we play a leading role in global space research and innovation,” she noted. She outlined the government’s plan to support space companies through the upcoming industrial strategy, a 10-year plan focusing on eight key growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing and defence. “These eight growth areas are where we can really turbocharge change and space is really at the heart of that strategy.”

Highlights from Jones’ opening address included how the UK’s National Wealth Fund will support the space sector, facilitating increased investment. She also referenced a boost for defence funding, with the UK’s defence budget rising to 2.5% of GDP in 2027 and 3% in the next parliament, which will directly benefit space security. There is also the government’s £20 million investment in Orbex, which was confirmed last year and is aimed at manufacturing and launching the first UK-built orbital rocket, while German-based space company OHB, announced the establishment of a new multimillion-pound UK operation on 19 March. Meanwhile and following the success of the government’s Industrial Investment Summit last year which secured £63 billions of investment into the UK, Jones also referenced the government’s plans for a Space Investment Summit later this year, to attract further global investment in the sector.

“Space is not just about exploration; it is national infrastructure as critical as electricity and water,” Jones asserted. “We are determined to create the best environment for space businesses to thrive, ensuring the UK remains a global leader in space innovation.”

National security

With growing geopolitical uncertainties, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, Jones stressed the urgency of strengthening the UK’s space capabilities. “We must act now to develop the right capabilities—not just for economic growth but for national security.”

The Minister ended on a note of optimism, encouraging collaboration between government and industry. “We are determined to keep up the momentum, to keep investors knocking at our door, and to make sure the UK is the best place in the world for space innovation.”

The Industry Minister was joined on stage for the opening of Farnborough International Space Show by Chris White-Horne, Deputy CEO of the UK Space Agency, Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS and Dallas Campbell, Science TV Presenter. The UK’s Science Secretary, Peter Kyle, also delivered a pre-recorded video address.

With strong government backing and increasing global interest, the UK’s space sector appears poised for a new era of growth, innovation and investment.

Image credit: Steve Nichols