The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is to become part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
The change is scheduled to take place by April 2026, aimed at streamlining government support for the UK’s space industry.
It follows the agency’s recent announcement that it will provide over £2.5 million for five projects aimed at using satellite data to support public services, and its launch of Europe’s first satellite dedicated to carbon dioxide monitoring.
Space Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “Bringing things in house means we can bring much greater integration and focus to everything we are doing while maintaining the scientific expertise and the immense ambition of the sector."
UKSA was founded in 2010 and currently operates as an executive agency of DSIT. It catalysed investment and revenue of at least £2.2 billion for the UK space sector in 2024-25.
Despite the BBC's attention-grabbing and not strictly true headline "UK independent space agency scrapped to cut costs" this seems like a sensible decision.
UKSA has mostly punched below expectations and has essentially been a quango (quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation) with little real clout.
Today's announcement follows a commitment from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reduce costs and cut the number of arms length government bodies.
The agency, its budget and activities will now be absorbed into DSIT which will also coordinate/oversee other space-related activities for the country.
Overall, the UKSA "brand" will continue - just without the extra layer of bureaucracy.
Former CEO of the UKSA, Katherine Courtney said she could understand why the government had taken this decision but didn't believe the change will achieve the stated aims.
"My time in Whitehall taught me that restructuring doesn’t drive efficiency and effectiveness in pubic sector organisations," she added.
"In my experience, ever administration hopes they can reduce costs through restructuring - but what really would make public sector organisations leaner and more effective are clear strategic priorities and greater continuity of ministerial leadership.
"UKSA hasn’t had either of those for over a decade and until the current government recognises the vital strategic role space plays for UK economic growth and national security, that’s unlikely to change."
The British Interplanetary Society (BIS), a long-time advocate of a UK space agency, welcomed the commitment to retain the UKSA’s identity and scientific expertise.
In a statement issued on social media it said: "We believe efficient and accountable public structures are essential to ensure that British excellence in space continues to flourish.
"A unified approach is vital to making rapid progress on national space goals - from innovation in small satellites and in-orbit servicing to leadership in space sustainability.
"The
BIS is confident that this transition, when implemented consultatively, can
preserve the dynamic, pioneering spirit that has characterised the UK’s space
endeavours since the 1930s.
"We urge government and industry to work together in ensuring that the UK’s
visionary projects - supporting an £18.6 billion sector and 55,000 highly
skilled jobs - continue to receive the focus and clarity they deserve."
Watch this space!
No comments:
Post a Comment