Mapping the UK space sector

KTN and the UK Space Agency are launching a landscape map including the capabilities of over 900 organisations in the industry.

The interactive landscape map is set to become a main point of reference for the UK space sector, outlining the universities, companies, funding bodies and networks that work in it. 

Developed in collaboration between KTN and the UK Space Agency, the map is now available publicly through a free, interactive, web-based tool, allowing users to search and visualise the sector.

Andy Bennett, Knowledge Transfer Manager for Space at KTN says, ‘This UK Space Sector Landscape Map showcases our knowledge and aims to support those both inside and outside the sector to build new collaborations. We hope that it supports our ambitious UK space sector to continue to grow and succeed.’

Iain Hughes, Market Intelligence Manager, UK Space Agency also adds, ‘This tool will bring genuine value to stakeholders across the space sector and beyond. By providing access to new data, visualisations and search functions, it will generate insights that will help companies identify opportunities, improve their strategies for growth, and increase collaboration.

‘The UK space sector is a huge economic success story, growing by over 60% since 2010.’

The map includes:

• Over 340 space manufacturing businesses, from launch vehicle providers and satellite manufactures to component and materials suppliers.
• Over 300 satellite applications companies who deliver satellite communications services, process satellite data, or develop applications dependent on GNSS or Earth observation data.
• 44 space operation companies including launch services, launch brokerage services, proprietary satellite operation and ground segment operators.
• 170 organisations offering ancillary services including consultants, IT and software services providers, insurers, and legal services.
• 67 research groups and universities across the UK with their research interests.
• Incubation centres, networks, funding opportunities, key sector organisations and developing spaceports.