UK space sector success

According to the Size and Health of the UK Space Industry 2008 report, the industry is also showing signs of a successful future, after seeing growth of almost eight per cent in 2006/07 and reaching turnover of £5.8 billion.

In addition, the research shows that the UK space industry employs nearly 19,000 people, with over 5,800 of these being among the most high-skilled in the economy, as 60 per cent of employees hold a first degree and one-third of these possess a second degree.

The UK should be proud of its world leading capabilities in telecommunications and small satellites. It will play a significant part in driving forward the UK's future knowledge economy

Ian Pearson

Science and Innovation Minister

Science and Innovation Minister Ian Pearson, who will launch the report at tomorrow's International Astronautical Congress in Glasgow, points to the contribution the space industry makes, highlighting digital TV, global monitoring telephony and internet traffic as innovations relying on it.

He adds: "The UK should be proud of its world leading capabilities in telecommunications and small satellites. It will play a significant part in driving forward the UK's future knowledge economy.

One of the achievements noted by the Minister is the Alphasat telecommunications satellite, which features an advanced payload and antenna system, developed by the UK arm of Astrium, Europe's largest space company. According to the British National Space Centre, this will help pioneer new telephone, broadcast and multicast services.