UKspace fully endorses the Government’s plans to undertake a major feasibility study into the development of a British Global Navigation Satellite System.

UKspace is the trade association of the UK space industry and has been its leading voice for over 30 years. It says it represents the interests of industry with: the UK government, parliament and national and international stakeholders.

The 18-month programme of work, using up to £92 million of Brexit readiness funding, could result in the UK developing a national alternative to the EU’s Galileo satellite system and ensure UK security post Brexit.

UKspace Chair, Graham Peters, said:

“We know that the ideal scenario is for the UK to remain an active participant in the Galileo programme, post Brexit, having already contributed so much to it. However, if this is not agreed, British industry is ready to step up to the plate to support this initiative.

This investment is further evidence that the Government recognises the importance of space services to the prosperity and security of the UK. Our members and other stakeholders across the UK space sector will be ready to assist with the feasibility and development activities which will establish a firm basis for the programme.”

UK industry has been instrumental in developing Galileo technology and encryption, and, if required, this expertise and experience will be used in developing the alternative solution, with several multi-million pound contracts available for British space companies.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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DRS
DRS
5 years ago

If we end up doing this I think it will be a blessing in disguise. We can re-use a lot of the ip developed for Galileo and potentially use it to re-vitelize U.K. space industry. Perhaps we can even create our space launch capability.

Nigel Collins
Nigel Collins
5 years ago
Reply to  DRS

Fingers crossed!

Martin
Martin
5 years ago
Reply to  DRS

The Tory party does not have the ***** for such a solo venture, especially with a penny pincher like Hammond at number 11 and a waste of space like May at Number 10. If Corbyn comes in the country will be lucky to have bread much less a satellite navigation system.

Chris
Chris
5 years ago
Reply to  Martin

(Chris H) Martin – So would this be the same ‘penny pinching Hammond and the waste of space May’ that have earmarked all the funding for this new space project and declared sites for two distinct launch technologies?

The same people who have earmarked funding for our new advanced fighter ‘Tempest’?

Yes I do believe it is. Although you are right – Corbyn and more importantly McDonnell would destroy the UK economy in 12 months …

Steven
Steven
5 years ago

Just do it.

Keithdwat
Keithdwat
5 years ago

The future for the UK in space is positive.
New navigation satellite system
New UK Spaceport
The SABRE engine with Skylon(This will be our next concorde…If funded and done right)-This will hopefully make space travel much more cheaper and accessible.
And of course the UK produces so many satellites already, the spaceport will give the opportunity to launch them ourselves.

Barry Larking
Barry Larking
5 years ago

Good. Do it anyway. ‘Step up to the plate’? I think ‘Go on the front foot’ works better. Never a rounders man me.

Paul
Paul
5 years ago

Without trying to sound cynical I think this is smoke and mirrors in order to stay in the EU project. I cannot the the GB government funding such a venture traditionally we’ve gone into these projects with partners to share the cost and risk. I hope I’m wrong.

Steve M
Steve M
5 years ago
Reply to  Paul

They may also be putting noises (and some cash) out to sound serious to potential partners too (Australia comes to mind).

David Steeper
David Steeper
5 years ago

So if I remember correctly we have given £1.2bn to the EU to help develop Gailileo. Does anyone know whether we’re doing anything to get that money back or have we given up ?

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
5 years ago
Reply to  David Steeper

Good question?

Could we just deduct it from the “Brexit Bill” ?

For that matter all our share of the ECB and other assets we part own too.

Nigel Collins
Nigel Collins
5 years ago
Barry Larking
Barry Larking
5 years ago

‘Step ip to the plate’ – id this from Oliver Twist? No, it’s plain lazy. Evenso, minor quibbles aside, I wish we would back ourselves more in future.