‘Space is now at an inflection point’ – UK space agency Chair

As nations across the world harness the power of space to drive technological advancement, the UK’s space industry stands at a crossroads. Speaking at a recent event hosted at the University of Nottingham, Rt Hon Lord Willetts, Chair of the UK Space Agency and President of the Resolution Foundation, delivered an incisive keynote on Britain’s evolving space policy and its role in the global race for innovation.

Alongside him, Neil Carmichael, Honorary Professor of Education and Politics, offered insights on how space policy intersects with education and the changing workforce.

Lord Willetts, who began his role at the UK Space Agency in 2022, made a compelling case for space as an economic driver, comparing its transformative impact to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and genomics. “Space is now at an inflection point,” he remarked, underscoring how rapid advancements have dramatically lowered the cost of launching satellites and expanded the potential applications of space technology.

The UK Space Agency’s dual focus: security and commercial opportunity

“For security purposes, our primary partnership is with the US, while for commercial and civil applications, we have historically looked to Europe.” – UK Space Agency chair, Lord Willets

With the establishment of the UK Space Agency in 2010, Britain has sought to position itself as a global leader in space science and technology. However, as Lord Willetts explained, Britain’s approach to space is shaped by a dual identity: “For security purposes, our primary partnership is with the US, while for commercial and civil applications, we have historically looked to Europe.”

This dynamic has been disrupted in the wake of Brexit, which has lead to doubts about the UK’s continued participation in European Space Agency (ESA) projects and whether the UK Space Agency will be able to access EU-funded programmes such as Copernicus and Galileo. Willetts noted that an alternative vision could see the UK forging new collaborations beyond Europe, leveraging its strategic partnerships to enhance resilience in space infrastructure and secure its place in the global space economy.

Beyond Bezos: Private sector power

The role of private sector giants such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin was a recurring theme in Willetts’ address. He dismissed the notion that space exploration is merely an expensive hobby for billionaires, instead framing it as an essential component of modern industry. “This is not a rich man’s game. It is a corporate strategy,” he asserted, highlighting how satellite constellations are integral to global communications, security, and AI-driven economies.

The UK’s own private sector contributions are equally significant. Willetts pointed to OneWeb, headquartered in Shepherd’s Bush, as a potential European low-Earth orbit (LEO) alternative to American satellite constellations. Yet, regulatory hurdles remain, as the UK’s departure from the EU complicates efforts to integrate OneWeb into the broader European security and defence framework.

Space security in the age of AI

In an era where foreign policy and defence are increasingly shaped by technological supremacy, the UK must grapple with the security implications of space. A key concern Lord Willetts and the UK Space Agency must grapple with is the growing risk of space debris and potential acts of aggression in orbit. The UK Space Agency chair described the threat of a “Kessler event,” where uncontrolled satellite collisions could render Earth’s orbital environment unusable.

He also flagged emerging threats linked to AI and cyber warfare, suggesting non-state actors may exploit satellite vulnerabilities. Greater regulatory oversight and international cooperation will be essential, he argued, to protect global space infrastructure.

Infrastructure and the UK’s spaceport future

“We could see a serious vertical rocket launch in the second half of this year,” – UK Space Agency chair, Lord Willetts

Britain’s space ambitions are no longer theoretical. Willetts pointed to SaxaVord in the Shetland Islands as a likely site for the UK’s first vertical rocket launch. “We could see a serious vertical rocket launch in the second half of this year,” he predicted.

“We’re on the cusp of seeing rival lunar bases – American and Chinese – setting up shop. The question now is how we establish a legal framework to govern these activities,” – UK Space Agency chair, Lord Willetts

Looking further afield, the UK is playing an integral role in lunar exploration. Through ESA collaborations, British engineers are developing a lunar navigation and communications satellite system to support future missions to the Moon’s south pole. “We’re on the cusp of seeing rival lunar bases – American and Chinese – setting up shop. The question now is how we establish a legal framework to govern these activities,” Willetts noted, drawing parallels to the Antarctic Treaty System.

Education, STEM, and the future space workforce

Neil Carmichael brought the discussion back to Earth, raising concerns about the UK’s education system and its preparedness for the future AI and space-driven economy. “The two things that get kids interested in STEM are dinosaurs and space,” he quipped, stressing the need for curriculum reforms that incorporate AI, robotics, and satellite technology. He also called for government-backed initiatives that allow students to design and launch their own CubeSats, fostering a new generation of space scientists and engineers.

A call to action for a UK space future

The overarching message of the event was clear: space is no longer a niche interest but a fundamental pillar of economic growth, security, and technological innovation. As geopolitical tensions mount and AI accelerates the pace of change, the UK must act decisively to shape the rules of engagement in space.

Lord Willetts concluded with a powerful call to action: “Britain has always played a leading role in space, from the creation of the European Space Agency to the development of cutting-edge satellite technology. We now have the opportunity to redefine our position in the global space economy. The question is – will we seize it?”

As policymakers debate the next steps for Britain’s space strategy, one thing is certain: the future of space is here, and the UK must be ready to lead it.