A new executive space agency has been announced by the government.
Described in a press release as both "recession-busting" and "bureaucracy-busting", the new agency will takeover from the British National Space Centre (BNSC).
It will also incorporate six government departments, two councils, the Technology Strategy Board and the Met Office, all of which currently make up the UK's space efforts.
Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said in a statement: "The new space agency is about making sure that the UK fully exploits its competitive advantage in satellites, robotics and related technologies."
The UK space sector has grown three times faster than the overall economy since 1999, racking up a nine per cent increase, and adding 6.5 billion a year to the economy. Some 65,000 people currently work in the sector.
"Our space sector hasn't missed a beat during this recession. This is the classic story of outstanding UK science and entrepreneurship continuing to create jobs and achieve exceptional growth," Lord Drayson added.
-
‘A major step forward’: Keir Starmer’s £187 million tech skills drive welcomed by UK industryNews The ‘TechFirst’ program aims to shore up the UK’s digital skills to meet future AI needs
-
Government’s ‘Humphrey’ AI tool helps local authorities cut costsNews The Minute tool, part of the Humphrey AI assistant, is being trialled at 25 councils
-
Starmer bets big on AI to unlock public sector savingsNews AI adoption could be a major boon for the UK and save taxpayers billions, according to prime minister Keir Starmer.
-
UK government targets ‘startup’ mindset in AI funding overhaulNews Public sector AI funding will be overhauled in the UK in a bid to simplify processes and push more projects into development.
-
UK government signs up Anthropic to improve public servicesNews The UK government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Anthropic to explore how the company's Claude AI assistant could be used to improve access to public services.
-
The UK’s AI ambitions face one major hurdle – finding enough home-grown talentNews Research shows UK enterprises are struggling to fill AI roles, raising concerns over the country's ability to meet expectations in the global AI race.
-
US government urged to overhaul outdated technologyNews A review from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found legacy technology and outdated IT systems are negatively impacting efficiency.
-
Government urged to improve tech procurement practicesNews The National Audit Office highlighted wasted money and a lack of progress on major digital transformation programmes
