January 23 – The UK space industry

 

In October 1971, the UK successfully launched its first satellite from a rocket testing facility at Woomera Australia, using a Black Arrow rocket. The satellite, Prospero, remained operational until 1974 and is still in orbit today. That was the last time that the UK used its own launcher. The Black Arrow programme was cancelled by the government. The UK became the only nation to successfully launch its own satellite and cancel future launcher development.

In February 2022 the government published the National Space Strategy. The vision statement is:

“We will build one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world, and the UK will grow as a space nation. We will protect and defend the UK’s interests in space, shape the space environment and use space to help solve challenges at home and overseas. Through cutting edge research, we will inspire the next generation and sustain the UK’s competitive edge in space science and technology.”

In this talk Cath Blacketer will look back at the history of the space industry in the UK, from launches of Black Arrow at Woomera through to the present day. The hopes, frustrations and disappointments of missions that were developed and then scrapped will be covered. Our work with ESA and the complications of Brexit. Today the government has expressed ambitions for growth in the sector. Private enterprises are proliferating. Could the UK finally become a space faring nation?

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