A World Empowered by Space: Satellite Applications Catapult Delivery Plan 2020

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The UK has set an ambitious vision to grow its space sector to £40bn by 2030, supporting 100,000 jobs. The sector is already on course to hit this target, growing in 2017 to £14.8Bn, with 41,900 employees, and at the end of 2018 was made up of 948 organisations.

The start of this year has seen the extraordinary impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. At the moment we need to focus on working together to deal with the health crisis at hand. However, both now, and when the priority becomes an economic one, space is a key part of the solution.

The two universal trends that are driving the new digital space economy are the opportunity for satellite applications are Geospatial Intelligence and Ubiquitous Connectivity. From what we have seen during the crisis, it is clear that these will become more embedded and help us thrive in a post-COVID world.

The demand for satellite-enabled services is supporting the development of many advances in upstream space on which the UK can capitalise. The UK now has spaceports in development in Scotland and Cornwall, and leading launch companies in Orbex, Lockheed Martin, Reaction Engines, Virgin Orbit and Skyrora. With advances in AI and robotics, new opportunities for ambitious initiatives to address energy
solutions, connectivity and life sciences are also within reach.

It is a time for big thinking, innovation and global cooperation, with the aim of driving exponential benefits for the planet. Activities and interest in space are building to the point where it is critical to our sustainable future. The further our activity pushes into space, the greater the solutions and benefits that can be realised.

Below you will find the Satellite Applications Catapult Delivery Plan for 2020 and beyond. 

If you have any questions, or would like to get in touch regarding collaboration opportunities, please contact info@sa.catapult.org.uk