Science Minister Sam Gyimah announced 15 March 2018 the Government’s plans to inject billions of pounds to the UK economy by fostering opportunities in the space sector. The move is also intended to create hundreds of high-skilled jobs and is made possible the recently passed Space Industry Act.
Specifically, Gyimah announced eight different satellite data projects designed to solve key challenges facing UK society. One project, affiliated with Bournemouth Borough Council, will rely on satellite data to determine where best to install charging points for electric vehicles (making a connection to the Government’s emphasis in the Industrial Strategy for developing infrastructure and expanding the use of electric vehicles).
Other projects funded by the Space for Smarter Government Programme will use satellite technology to address air pollution and air quality, healthcare and marine waste.
Of the new initiatives, Gyimah said,
Through the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, we are laying the ground work to boost the UK’s space sector with record investment in our world leading science sector. With the passing of the Space Industry Act, and the new satellite data projects, we are one step closer to launching satellites from UK soil and offering low gravity spaceflights from the UK.
Source: Rocketing to success – Space Industry Act to unlock billions for the UK economy – GOV.UK
