Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the National Space Strategy published on 27 September 2021, what progress she has made on working with the devolved administrations to partner with local (a) business, (b) industry and (c) academic organisations to grow their space sectors.

The Government is delivering on its commitment to build a whole-UK space ecosystem by working with businesses, academia and Devolved Administrations.

The UK Space Agency has supported each nation to establish Space Clusters to grow their local space sectors, and works collaboratively with local partners to deliver its major funding programmes and events. This includes the government’s Spaceflight programme, and hosting roadshows, workshops, and the regional ESA Business Support Ambassadors.

This year UKSA has funded over £10 million through the Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund to companies in Wales and Scotland, and over £1 million to strengthen the Northern Ireland Space Cluster.