In recent news, the UK government has struck a new trade deal with the European Space Agency (ESA UK trade agreement), ensuring continued cooperation in space exploration and satellite programs post-Brexit.
Under the agreement, the UK will continue to participate in ESA programs, such as the Copernicus Earth Observation program and the Galileo satellite navigation system. This will allow British businesses and institutions to continue to play a vital role in Europe`s space industry.
The ESA UK trade agreement is a significant boost for the UK`s space sector, which has been growing rapidly in recent years. In 2019, the UK space industry contributed £14.8 billion to the economy and employed over 42,000 people. The new trade deal secures the UK`s position as a leading player in the global space industry.
Moreover, the ESA UK trade agreement also furthers the UK government`s ambition to create a thriving space sector in the country. The government`s Industrial Strategy aims to increase the UK`s share of the global space market from 6.5% to 10% by 2030, creating thousands of new jobs and driving economic growth.
The UK has a long-standing history in space exploration, with the country`s first satellite, Ariel 1, launched in 1962. Since then, the UK has been involved in numerous space missions, including the Beagle 2 Mars lander and the Rosalind Franklin Mars rover.
The ESA UK trade agreement ensures that the UK will continue to play an essential role in the scientific and technological advancements being made in the space sector. It represents a vital step forward for the UK space industry, enabling long-term planning and investment in space exploration and satellite technologies.
Overall, the ESA UK trade agreement is excellent news for the UK`s space industry. It ensures continued cooperation between the UK and Europe in the field of space exploration and satellite technologies, providing opportunities for growth and investment in the sector. As the sector continues to develop, the UK will be well-positioned to take advantage of the economic and technological benefits of space exploration.