UK Space Conference 2025 perspectives from an IET volunteer

The UK Space Conference always serves as one of those rare occasions when the whole UK space community comes together. As is usually the case, it created opportunities for new conversations with familiar faces dropping by to swap updates, and new introductions sparking fresh ideas. It is emblematic of the space sector that it depends on relationships, partnerships and collaborations built and maintained over time.

One of the headline announcements was that space now supports £454 billion of industrial activity across the UK economy, about 18% of GDP, and up £90 billion on last year. Even with the positive spin, that’s a clear sign of the space sector’s continuing and growing influence. Another important marker was new funding in response to the UK government’s decision to formally identify satellite communications as one of five national space capability priorities, in recognition that this area will be central to resilience, services, and global competitiveness. These are all important signals (no pun intended) of the deep embedding of satellite technology and services in our critical national infrastructure. A total of £4.5 million in funding was awarded to four innovative projects: MDA Space UK’s SkyPhimission to provide 5G/6G connectivity directly from LEO satellites; Orbit Fab’s Radical refuelling technology for telecoms satellites; SSTL’s lunar communications system for deep-space links; and Viasat’s hybrid GEO-LEO network for global 5G Direct-to-Device services. Alongside that, there was a £1.6 million boost to the UK’s regional space clusters, strengthening the local networks that focus on innovation and capability building is developed across the country, not just in a few central hubs.

Beyond the announcements made at the conference itself, one of the most significant developments was the recent launch of a tender for the UK’s first Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission. This is a pivotal next step in deploying tangible capability, moving from talk of space sustainability into a concrete programme that will help safeguard future missions threatened by the growing risks of operating in congested orbits. It underlines the UK’s intent to lead on responsible space operations and creates real market opportunities for industry to deliver the enabling technologies. Alongside this, other themes that stood out were the growing maturity of in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) and early but compelling conversations around orbital data centres. ISAM is no longer just a concept, there are demonstrators and service models actively being worked through in the UK by numerous companies, including Astroscale, Clear Space, D-Orbit and Lunasa. Taking the example of orbital data centres highlights how the conference helps work to engage the sector in looking ahead to emergent markets, such as secure, high-capacity data processing in orbit. Together, these strands point to a sector that is maturing quickly, taking on both immediate challenges and future opportunities.

I only managed to attend one panel session, but even from that brief glimpse it was clear how these themes are being carried forward in the wider debate. The panels brought together industry, academia, government, and regional clusters to explore not just ambitious visions, but also how to deliver them. That balance between aspiration and practical delivery is intrinsic and a reflection of the strength of the UK space community, and it reflected the sector’s determination to turn ideas into operational capabilities.

Leaving the conference, I came away plentiful ideas to follow up on and overall an enthusiastic optimism for the future of space in the UK. This year a particular importance for me, as it was my first time attending in a new professional role, which made it both a chance to share what I’m working on now, an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from earlier in my career, to strengthen my network and a reminder of just how much potential lies ahead.

The UK space sector is as ever growing in scale and confidence, and the drive from across industry and academia to deliver on both national and international needs is clear and present.