Overview
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is the United Kingdom's executive agency responsible for space policy, regulation and programme funding. Established in 2010, UKSA coordinates the UK's civil space activities, manages the UK's relationship with ESA (the UK remains a major ESA contributor despite Brexit), and regulates commercial space activities under the Space Industry Act 2018.
The UK's space sector is valued at over £17.5 billion and employs around 50,000 people. UKSA's strategic priorities include developing sovereign launch capability from British soil (via SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland), supporting the commercial satellite industry, and leveraging the UK's investment in the OneWeb constellation for national connectivity and defence.
Quick Facts
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | United Kingdom Space Agency |
| Abbreviation | UK Space Agency |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Headquarters | Swindon, England, UK |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Head | Paul Bate (CEO) |
| Budget | ~£0.83B (2025) |
| Staff | ~250 |
| Crewed Capability | No (astronauts fly on partner vehicles) |
| Website | www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-space-agency |
Key Programmes
SaxaVord Spaceport
Europe's first licensed vertical orbital launch site on Unst, Shetland — UKSA supports development to bring orbital launch to British soil.
OneWeb / Eutelsat
The UK government invested $500M in OneWeb (now Eutelsat OneWeb) — a 648-satellite LEO broadband constellation. Track all OneWeb satellites live.
ESA Programmes
The UK contributes over €700M annually to ESA programmes including Earth observation, telecommunications, navigation and science.
Space Regulation
UKSA regulates all UK space activities and issued Europe's first vertical launch licence to SaxaVord in 2023.
Launch Infrastructure
UK Space Agency launches from:
| Spaceport | Role |
|---|---|
| SaxaVord Spaceport | Europe's first licensed vertical launch site — Shetland |