The UK Space Agency is embarking on a significant expansion, announcing the establishment of new headquarters at the Harwell Science Campus’ Space Cluster in Oxfordshire,
alongside regional offices in Scotland, Wales, and the Midlands.
Aligned with the government’s Levelling Up strategy, this expansion aims to bolster support for the burgeoning space sector across the UK. By fostering closer collaboration with the industry and promoting regional skills and job opportunities, the Agency seeks to facilitate increasingly ambitious missions and capabilities.
The UK's space sector is outpacing the broader economy, boasting a value exceeding £17.5 billion annually and employing over 45,000 individuals. Satellites alone underpin a staggering £360 billion of wider economic activity each year.
The new headquarters at Harwell are slated to open in June, with additional offices at William Morgan House in Cardiff and Space Park Leicester set to open in April. The office at Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh will follow suit later in the summer.
Minister for Space Andrew Griffith MP emphasized Harwell’s Space Cluster as an ideal hub for collaboration, housing over 100 research organizations and 1,400 jobs. He highlighted the significant growth of the UK's space sector across all regions, underscoring the importance of the new offices in Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Leicester in supporting local talent and fostering economic growth.
Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, hailed this expansion as transformative, positioning the Agency at the heart of the sector it serves. By connecting with regional offices and existing teams in London and Swindon, the Agency aims to recruit talent nationwide and execute the National Space Strategy effectively.
The new structure promises opportunities for growth in key areas such as Earth observation and satellite broadband, as well as leadership in emerging markets like in-orbit spacecraft servicing and the lunar economy, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive sector.
John Hanley, Chair of UKspace, praised the decision to relocate the headquarters to Harwell, foreseeing enhanced collaboration and support for organizations within the Space Cluster. Stuart Grant, Chief Executive of Harwell Campus, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the campus' role as a leading international space hub.
The move aligns with the government's commitment to supporting space clusters across the UK, as outlined in the Space Industrial Plan. Dr. Barbara Ghinelli, Director for UKRI-STFC’s Innovation Clusters and for the Harwell Campus, emphasized the Agency's integral role in shaping the future of space exploration.
Government ministers from Scotland and Wales welcomed the establishment of regional offices in Edinburgh and Cardiff, highlighting the growth and potential of their respective space sectors. Dr. Hina Khan, Executive Director of Space Scotland, and John Whalley, CEO of Space Wales, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities this collaboration will bring, anticipating increased innovation, job creation, and sectoral growth.