UKspace

UKspace is the official trade association of the UK space industry. It speaks for space companies to government, parliament and other groups in the UK and abroad. The association has done this work for over 35 years.

Members range from start-ups and small businesses to prime contractors and major space companies. The association helps grow the UK space industry and supports space SMEs and start-ups. Members get introductions to industry, finance, government and contacts in Europe. They also get networking at industry events and access to technical support and advice. The Executive Committee approves all new membership requests.

UKspace works with ADS and techUK, and promotes space jointly with them. It also works alongside the UK Space Agency, Innovate UK, the Satellite Applications Catapult and the Satellite Finance Network. Government bodies it deals with include Ofcom, the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Its council also deals with the European Space Agency, the European Commission and Eurospace, the European space trade association.

Much of the work happens in sector committees made up of member company staff. They cover earth observation, position, navigation and timing, satellite telecommunications, security and defence, space science and exploration, launch, in-orbit services and regulation. Other groups cover trade and exports, media, parliamentary matters, small businesses and the LaunchUK industry. The council produces policy and position papers and checks the work of these groups.

UKspace runs a trade and export programme and lists funding programmes for UK space businesses. It holds fellowships that recognise people who have given long service to the association. It also offers Inside Space webinars, industry publications and a calendar of events. Its careers pages give advice to people starting out, including what to study.

The association runs the #ThanksSpace campaign, which shows how space technology helps farming, healthcare and life at home. It supports the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Space and publishes facts and figures on the sector, including a report on the size and health of the UK space industry. It has also signed the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter.

Services

• Trade association representation
• Membership
• Committees and working groups
• Trade and export support
• Funding programme information
• Fellowships
• Inside Space webinars
• Industry publications
• Industry events
• Careers advice