The UK Space Agency has announced a £1.7 billion investment package in European Space Agency programmes, strengthening national security, driving innovation and supporting thousands of high-skilled jobs.
Agreed at the ESA Council of Ministers (CM25) in Bremen, this funding increases the UK’s total ESA commitment to £2.8 billion over the next decade, with further pledges expected in 2028.
Every £1 invested in ESA returns £7.49 in direct benefits to the UK economy, with contracts flowing back to UK industry and universities to develop cutting-edge technologies.
Key Investments Include:
£162m for launch programmes, including the European Launcher Challenge, improving access to space for commercial operators and reducing satellite launch costs.
£131m for the UK-led Vigil mission, monitoring space weather to protect power grids, satellites and emergency services from solar storms.
Continued support for Europe’s first Mars rover, built in the UK by Airbus, and the Argonaut lunar lander, securing UK leadership in planetary exploration.
£261m for high-growth programmes, including direct-to-device satellite systems to boost mobile connectivity in remote areas and during emergencies.
£511m for ESA’s core science budget, plus £120m for Earth observation, harnessing climate data to improve security and growth.
£57m for advanced Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) technologies, reinforcing UK strengths in critical infrastructure.
Liz Lloyd CBE, Space Minister, said:
“Our space sector is a key driver of our economic growth and national security, and also supports our allies in Europe and beyond.
“After these negotiations in Bremen, during what remains a challenging time for economies across Europe, we have secured backing for our priority ESA programmes, which will support thousands of jobs, greater resilience and cutting-edge science and technology across the UK.”
The UK space sector employs 55,000 people, supports 81,000 supply chain jobs, and generates £18.9 billion annually, with satellite services underpinning industrial activities worth £454 billion – 18% of GDP.
This investment forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of global space innovation while boosting economic growth and resilience.
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