The National Space Strategy in Action: Hampshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight
On 19 July 2023, the government published The National Space Strategy in Action (NSSiA), reporting on the progress and priorities of the original National Space Strategy (NSS) nearly two years on from its launch.
A milestone in the UK’s space industry history, the NSS heralded the first-ever combined civil-defence strategy for space, including an ambitious 10-point plan to achieve five goals:
Grow and level up our space economy
Promote the values of Global Britain
Lead pioneering scientific discovery and inspire the nation
Protect and defend our national interests in and through space
Use space to deliver for UK citizens and the world
At number five in the NSS’ 10-point plan was Developing world-class space clusters, and Space South Central is now the UK’s largest space cluster, a regional hub bringing together the area’s space sector expertise to boost collaboration, innovation and investment.
The NSSiA report provides a timely update on the government’s space plans for the UK, but what does this mean at a regional level? Home to more than 130 space-related businesses and three world-class universities, Hampshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight play a huge role in UK space.
Our report in response to the NSSiA, The National Space Strategy in Action: Hampshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight, aims to add a local perspective to the NSS, NSSiA, and Space South Central’s role in supporting and delivering the government’s strategy.
