The UK has a deep space heritage in academia and industry – and there is recognition throughout recent government strategies of the importance of the UK’s university base in underpinning our space sector, and the requirement to foster deeper relationships between industry and academia.
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Whitepaper on UK Space Policy and funding from an academic point of view - on funding gap implications, membership of ESA, need for a strong national and bilateral programmes along with comments on links to industry and some general points
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A summary of key points raised on behalf of academia. These points were also shared with Civil Servants attending and working on Space policy after the meeting.
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The Space Academic Network (SPAN) (206 members from 57 universities representing an academic view on space policy and funding) welcomes the Government plans for an Industrial Strategy (IS).
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This document expands the original concept of science targeted missions to all uses in Space. This document is a development of a SPAN White Paper put together in 2019 on so-called Sci-Sats.
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This paper outlines areas for further funding in academic institutions in the areas of Space Technology and Training under the auspices of the National Space Programme.
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This paper outlines a proposed strategy to address a critical lack of funding for UK university research in space science, engineering and technology.
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This paper describes the case for a Nano-Launcher programme of research and development and the case for student competitions in this area.
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To establish a National programme for the development of new World-leading science using small satellite technology and missions to accelerate and demonstrate UK leadership.
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A study into the nature and benefits of the UK's space science activity.
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SPAN hosted a workshop on potential dual use on December 5, 2022, at Leeds University. The workshop report is only available by sending a request to SPAN, specifying why you would like to view it.
Request Publication03 December 2025
The UK Space Agency has today announced the recipients of the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP). We extend our warmest congratulations to the academic and industry teams whose projects have been selected for support.
26 November 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined our November SPAN Town Hall. Below is a brief overview of the key updates shared across the community.
28 October 2025
We’re pleased to announce that our SPAN Whitepaper, Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Academia – led by Anushka Sharma and Professor Mark Sims (University of Leicester / SPAN), is now available to read. The paper sets out practical ways to deepen collaboration across the UK space ecosystem, including: Co-design from day zero with early academic […]
