The United Kingdom’s need for sovereign space launch capabilities has never been more apparent. As geopolitical tensions rise, new technological frontiers open, and space exploration becomes increasingly critical, Britain must carve out its own path in the space race. From political upheaval to technological innovations, the demand for a UK-based space launch industry is increasingly evident—and is essential for national security, economic growth, and international standing.

A Push for Independence: The UK's Growing Need for Sovereignty

Sovereign launch capability refers to a nation’s ability to design, manufacture, and launch its own rockets from within its own borders. For the UK, this is not just a matter of pride; it’s about securing control over a critical area of infrastructure that could affect everything from communication networks to national security.

As noted by the UK-based company Orbex, the UK’s dependency on international launch services, particularly those provided by private US companies like SpaceX, has left the country vulnerable. In the wake of growing global uncertainties—exemplified by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—the ability to independently access space has taken on new urgency. Phillip Chambers, CEO of Orbex, emphasises that Britain's need to "own its own space launch capability" is critical. With increasing reliance on satellite technology in both military and civilian sectors, the geopolitical landscape demands that the UK secure direct access to space without having to rely on foreign powers.

Lessons from History: The UK’s Past Space Failures

Historically, the UK has been a significant player in space exploration, yet its reliance on foreign partners has limited its potential. The UK’s last home-grown satellite launch vehicle, the Black Arrow rocket, launched in 1971 from Australia’s Woomera Test Range. Since then, Britain has failed to consistently build and launch its own rockets, instead relying on international providers. The 2023 attempt by Virgin Orbit to launch a satellite from Cornwall—a mission that ultimately failed due to an unexpected rocket malfunction—illustrates the fragility of such partnerships.

As Virgin Orbit spiralled into bankruptcy, the event served as a stark reminder of how the UK could lose vital access to space if it continues to depend on foreign companies. The failure of this mission highlighted just how precarious the country’s reliance on international space launch services can be. For the UK, it is clear: the future of space exploration depends on developing a robust, sovereign launch capability.

New Hope on the Horizon: The Rise of British Space Startups

Despite setbacks, British innovators are pushing forward with new projects aimed at ensuring the UK’s future in space. Companies like Orbex and Skyrora are at the forefront of these efforts. These startups are not only working to develop new rocket technology but also to establish UK-based launch sites, such as SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands, which will soon host its first mission from a British-made rocket.

Orbex’s Prime rocket, which is set to launch in 2025, will be the first British-made rocket to reach orbit since the Black Arrow. The company has already secured significant funding, including a £20 million investment from the UK government, but success is far from guaranteed. Orbex is in the early stages of scaling its operations and, like SpaceX in its early years, it faces financial hurdles and the ever-present risk of failure. However, the potential rewards—both in terms of national pride and economic growth—are immense.

By developing a domestic launch capability, the UK not only secures its position in the competitive global space market but also opens the door to creating thousands of high-tech jobs and fostering a thriving space economy. For Orbex, the goal is clear: a fully operational spaceport capable of launching multiple rockets per year, contributing to both Britain’s space ambitions and the European Space Agency's goals.

The Global Context: Why Sovereignty Matters More Than Ever

In a world where geopolitics is increasingly influencing technological access, Europe can no longer rely on Russia’s Soyuz rockets—once a staple of its space program. The war in Ukraine severed that relationship, leaving the European Space Agency scrambling to find alternative solutions. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s dominance, while impressive, also exposes Europe’s vulnerabilities. Elon Musk’s company, while successful, has ties to political forces in the US that may not always align with Europe’s interests. The unpredictable nature of Musk’s business dealings has further compounded concerns about relying on SpaceX for space access.

This shifting dynamic has intensified the urgency for a sovereign launch capability within Europe, and especially within the UK. A national space launch capability gives the UK more control over its space assets and reduces the risks associated with external dependencies. As Chambers rightly points out, "We would be foolish not to own our own [space launch] capability."

A Vision for the Future: Britain's Galactic Ambitions

The UK has made significant strides in developing the infrastructure needed to support a sovereign launch industry. The government has supported space startups like Orbex with vital investments and has provided the policy framework necessary to nurture this emerging sector. However, as Orbex’s Chambers has pointed out, the UK must go beyond just “halfway” funding; it needs long-term investments to build a sustainable space industry.

With this in mind, the potential for launching rockets from UK soil could serve as a catalyst for broader ambitions. The UK government has already expressed interest in turning Britain into a hub for space exploration, with plans for more spaceports and further investments in cutting-edge aerospace technologies. As companies like Orbex prepare to launch their rockets from UK bases, they are not only aiming to push technological boundaries but also to position Britain as a key player in the space economy for decades to come.

Boosting Recruitment and Talent in the Space Sector

One of the most significant benefits of developing sovereign launch capabilities in the UK is the potential to attract and retain top talent in the space sector. As the demand for skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) continues to grow, the establishment of a robust space industry with launch capabilities will provide a unique opportunity to recruit and nurture the next generation of innovators.

According to the UK Space Agency’s 2021 UK Space Industry Report, the space sector in the UK contributes around £16.4 billion to the economy, with an estimated 47,000 people employed in the space industry. This figure is projected to rise as new spaceports and launch capabilities are developed. The creation of UK-based spaceports, such as SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands, will offer cutting-edge, real-world environments where engineers and scientists can apply their skills to solve complex problems, making the sector an attractive career path for graduates and seasoned professionals alike.

The global space industry, including the UK, is experiencing rapid growth. According to Space Foundation’s The Space Report 2023, the global space economy grew by 10% in 2022, reaching a value of $469 billion. This explosive growth is driving demand for skilled workers, and the UK will need to invest in its own workforce to stay competitive. The space sector in the UK alone is expected to create an additional 30,000 jobs by 2030, a significant portion of which will be in launch and satellite services.

Additionally, sovereign launch capabilities allow for a more localised, sustainable workforce. Rather than relying on foreign space programs or outsourcing projects to other countries, Britain’s own space ambitions can stimulate local economies, particularly in regions like Scotland, where startups such as Orbex and Skyrora are already setting up shop. The development of these spaceports and launch technologies can generate high-tech jobs and foster collaborations with UK universities and research institutions. A study by Oxford Economics in 2020 indicated that the UK space industry could generate up to £40 billion annually by 2030, further emphasising the economic impact of creating home-grown launch capabilities.

The presence of a national space launch program is likely to encourage more STEM students to pursue careers in aerospace engineering, astrophysics, data science, and robotics. The UK government has already acknowledged this need by allocating £20 million in funding for space startups like Orbex and Skyrora. Universities and colleges, recognising the growth in the sector, are also investing more in space-related programs. For example, the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow offers one of the UK’s leading space engineering programs, with students gaining hands-on experience in spacecraft and rocket development.

The global space race is intensifying, and as nations around the world ramp up their own space programs, the competition for talent will only become fiercer. By positioning itself as a hub for space innovation, the UK can tap into a global pool of professionals who want to be part of cutting-edge space missions. According to Space Workforce Development by SpaceX in 2021, the company alone has contributed significantly to growing the space talent pool in the US, underscoring the importance of a home-grown space industry in talent retention.

In short, the creation of sovereign launch capabilities doesn’t just advance the nation’s space agenda; it provides a springboard for a flourishing, talent-rich space sector that will keep the UK at the forefront of the global space economy for years to come. With projections of job creation and increasing investment in the sector, the UK is poised to benefit from the growing demand for space-related expertise, helping to foster innovation and ensuring the country's position as a global leader in space exploration.

The Time to Act Is Now

The need for sovereign space launch capabilities in the UK is clearer than ever. With geopolitical tensions on the rise, an increasingly volatile space industry, and the quest for space-based technologies becoming more critical than ever, Britain must act decisively. By supporting the development of its domestic space industry, the UK can ensure that it not only competes on the global stage but also secures its place in the new frontier of space exploration.

As the efforts of companies like Orbex and Skyrora progress, and with government support, Britain has a genuine opportunity to reclaim its role as a leader in space technology. The race for space is not just about technological superiority; it’s about strategic autonomy. For the UK, the time to invest in sovereign launch capabilities is now.

Ready to be a part of the change?

Interested in joining the expanding space industry? Whether you're seeking a new role in the sector or looking to apply your transferable skills, connect with our expert space recruitment team today.

Contact us: Recruit@alexander-assoc.co.uk