Domestic Space Industry 2023-03-15
2023-03-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to support growth in the UK's space sector, which has doubled in size over the past decade.
What steps her Department is taking to support the domestic space industry. As a science geek, I love this new Department. The Chelmsford-based company Teledyne e2v is the world leader in space imaging. When the earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, its technology from way up there in space pinpointed the exact location of collapsed businesses, sent rescuers to the spot and saved lives. It also provides crucial monitoring of our planet's air, oceans and volcanos via the Copernicus programme. The European Space Agency wants to continue to use e2v tech for the next generation of Copernicus satellites.
We have put £1.8 billion through the European Space Agency, supporting little companies here in the UK. Following the Northern Ireland protocol agreement and Windsor framework, we are actively discussing with the EU the membership of Horizon, Copernicus and Euratom, as well as funding earth observation programmes.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific question about continuing participation post-2024 was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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The growth of the UK's domestic space sector requires a skilled workforce. The question addresses how to ensure that education and training systems meet this demand.
If we are to grow the sector, we need the next generation of mathematicians, scientists, engineers and computer programmers. What is he doing to ensure that the education and training system brings forward the workforce for tomorrow?
Skills are key, prioritised in the science and technology framework. The UK Space Agency has an active skills programme working with UKspace to set out a map of jobs being created—380,000 over the next 10 years.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The Westcott Space Cluster focuses on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through open access testing facilities, such as those provided by the satellite applications catapult DISC.
The Westcott Space Cluster in my constituency is a tour de force of innovative excellence, with a particular focus on ensuring small and medium-sized enterprises can use open access testing facilities, such as through the satellite applications catapult DISC. Does my hon. Friend agree that that open access support is essential? Will he visit Westcott to see it for himself?
Yes, I fully agree on the importance of open access support for SMEs. Yes, I would be very happy to visit Westcott.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The HyImpulse team at SaxaFord spaceport in Shetland is preparing for a hot fire test of its new HyPLOX75 motor. The company is seeking clarity on the space flight phase 2 programme.
Next month, I will be joining the team from HyImpulse at the SaxaFord spaceport in Shetland to see the hot fire test of its new HyPLOX75 motor. Like many companies in the sector, it is very keen to know when we will get an announcement regarding the space flight phase 2 programme. When will we get that announcement? If we are not going to go ahead with that programme, what will the Government be doing to encourage companies like HyImpulse to do their business in Scotland?
We are committed to launch in both Cornwall and Scotland. We are providing funding to support those two spaceports. I will happily come and visit when I am next up.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific announcement date for the space flight phase 2 programme was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The question stems from the government's commitment to doubling the size of the domestic space sector.
What steps her Department is taking to support the domestic space industry. It is a great privilege to open the batting for the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Not since the white heat of technology under Harold Wilson have a Government put more money into research. We are proud to have doubled the size of the sector to £16 billion in the past 10 years.
Through regulatory leadership, insurance and finance in the City, £400 million in earth observation and our cluster programme, we intend to grow this economy all around the country.
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