BU Research Blog

The Commons Science and Technology Committee has opened a new inquiry into UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure and has invited written evidence by 24 June.

Here are the terms of reference:

1. What are the prospects for the UK’s global position as a space nation, individually and through international partnerships;
2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the current UK space sector and research and innovation base;
3. What lessons can be learned from the successes and failures of previous space strategies for the UK and the space strategies of other countries;
4. What should be the aims and focus of a new UK Space Strategy, including considerations of:

• technology;
• skills and diversity;
• research funding, investment and economic growth;
• industry;
• civil and defence applications;
• international considerations and partnerships;
• place;
• current regulatory and legislative frameworks and impact on UK launch potential; and
• impacts of low Earth orbit satellites on research activities.

What needs to be done to ensure the UK has appropriate, resilient and future-proofed space and satellite infrastructure for applications including:

• navigation systems;
• weather forecasting;
• earth observation including climate change; and
• communication (including broadband).

Contact the policy team (policy@bournemouth.ac.uk) if you wish to provide written evidence to this inquiry.