The National Space Strategy and the role of the UK Space Agency

Shortcomings with the National Space Strategy have undermined ambitions for the UK space economy. Published by the government in 2021, the National Space Strategy is overseen by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) with the UK Space Agency (UKSA) – which sits under DSIT – responsible for delivery.

The government did well to draw together a single vision in the Strategy. But there have been shortcomings in its creation and delivery:

a lack of clarity provided on the Strategy’s aims, desired outcomes and priorities to allow delivery bodies and stakeholders to plan to achieve them

some weaknesses in UKSA’s funding allocation processes for its budget of £1.75 billion for 2022 to 2025

UKSA currently has more work under way than it can afford to continue, unchanged. UKSA and DSIT are considering what the options might be for rescheduling, scaling down or discontinuing some activities, depending on the outcome of the next spending review

progress on UKSA programmes has also been slower than planned, leading to an underspend of nearly £50 million


UKSA has recognised many of these weaknesses and has been working to remedy them.

But it has more to do to achieve value for money, including developing the procurement capabilities that will help government become an influential customer of an ever-growing space sector.

Watch report director give an overview of our findings.