As of the beginning of 2012 the UK space sector currently commands 6% of the world market in space products and services. The space sector in the UK grew 9 per cent per annum between 1999 and 2007 and it is likely to grow from £6bn in 2008 to £40bn by 2030. Space-related turnover of over £7.5 billion in 2008/09. This represented a real growth of 8% between 2007/08 and 2008/09, and by 21% since 2006/07 – an average annual growth rate of 10.2%.

It is no exaggeration to say that without space infrastructure much of our global economy would now cease to operate. In fact without space hardware such as satellites the world would lose much of the growth it has experienced over the last 50 years. Space is an essential engine of the economy and our dependence on its infrastructure will continue to grow. With eyes firmly on the future, the UK space industry is aiming to increase its share of the global market to at least 10 per cent from a current level of 6 per cent.

Growth Period for Space

The UK is entering a major growth period for space. The UK Space Innovation and Growth Strategy sets out how the UK is planning to raise its game. UK space companies have built up leading capabilities in key export markets, including broadband, monitoring deforestation and geo-data. The UK is now the leading exporter of satellite-based tools to the developing world. Britain’s technology lead in satellite radar, space software, small satellites and military communications represent huge export opportunities.

Space intersects all our lives in ways that many do not fully appreciate, from energy, security, safety, humanitarian and disaster relief, communications, navigation, and health. Many of the services in these areas are supported by space applications and activities, and the next decade will see the maturity of these services to a far greater degree than they already are.

Space-enabled services and space based solutions

ADS members provide a diverse customer base for Space-enabled services in all of these areas, from commercial telecommunications, civilian emergency services, environmental monitoring, global transport networks, military operations and weather forecasting. ADS members are also involved in providing technical, space based solutions for areas of increasing importance for the safety and security of the United Kingdom, including cyber-security and tracking the effects of climate change.