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Space Technology: Finance

Asked by James McMurdockIndependentDepartment for Business, Innovation, Science and TradeTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 25567

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the UK Space Agency press release entitled UK invests in homegrown space tech to boost national resilience, published on 20 July 2026, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the new funding on sovereign space capabilities.

Answered by Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Government resilience and sovereignty is one of the strategic benefits to the UK identified in the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit programme Business Case. A mid-programme Business Case review in early 2026 determined the programme should be extended by 2 years. The review reaffirmed the programme's strategic case and positive economic case, including strengthening UK capability in satellite communications, supporting innovation and supply chain development, and enhancing the UK's sovereign capability. Early programme delivery is also helping to build UK capability through funded projects and industry engagement.

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