Transforming our future: the UK's space sector
On 3 June 2025, the Royal Society will hold a conference addressing the future of the UK's role in the space sector.
The UK space sector is becoming ever more integrated into everyday life, playing a crucial role across various industries while also driving and advancing innovation. As the sector continues to evolve, it is vital to foster greater collaboration within and thereby achieve even greater potential and impact.
This one-day conference will convene industry, academia, policy, space specialists and non-specialists to examine the applications of space to other sectors, showcase emerging technologies, and provide a picture of the global space scene and the UK’s part in it.
Transforming our future conferences
This conference forms part of the Royal Society's industry-focused Transforming our future series. These unique meetings feature cutting-edge science and bring together experts from industry, academia and government to explore and address key scientific and technical challenges of the coming decade.
Attending this event
- Register now to access the livestream online. Further details will be provided closer to the event
- This event recording will be available on the Royal Society YouTube channel soon after the event
- In-person attendance is limited and by invitation only. To request an in person invitation, please contact industry@royalsociety.org
Schedule
Chair
Dr Chris Hobbs
Former EiR, University of Southampton / Formerly Satellite Applications Catapult
Dr Chris Hobbs
Former EiR, University of Southampton / Formerly Satellite Applications Catapult
Chris is an Enterprise Expert at SETsquared Surrey, an incubator supporting spin outs and scale ups from all sectors, including space. He has been a Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Southampton, supporting academics and researchers in Space and Astronomy to commercialise their research work, potentially as spin out companies. As a former Head of Business Strategy at the Satellite Applications Catapult, he helped businesses to grow in the space sector, particularly through incubators and accelerators, and was previously Managing Director of a technology-based business producing portable solid-state hydrogen power sources for the aerospace, drone and automotive markets. He has also worked in two large corporates, QinetiQ and AEA Technology (formerly the UK Atomic Energy Authority).
His skills include leadership, business management, growth and business development, bid, programme, project and product management. He has a PhD in Physics.
| 09:20-09:30 |
Welcome remarks & introduction to keynote
Professor Sheila Rowan FRSUniversity of Glasgow
Professor Sheila Rowan FRSUniversity of Glasgow Professor Sheila Rowan FRS is the Chair of Natural Philosophy at the University of Glasgow. Since 2009, Professor Rowan has been Director of the Institute for Gravitational Research at the University of Glasgow’s School of Physics and Astronomy. Her research contributed to one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of this century: the first detection of gravitational waves announced in February 2016. This resulted in a share of the 2016 Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for her and the members of her team in Glasgow. She received the Hoyle Medal and Prize of the IOP in 2016, the Harold Hartley Medal of the Institute of Measurement and Control in 2020 and was made a CBE in 2021.She received the (inaugural) Philip Leverhulme Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. Sheila served from 2018 - 24 on the Council of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, latterly as its Senior Independent Member and Co-Chair. From 2016 - 21 she was the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Scottish Government, and from 2021 - 23 served as President of the Institute of Physics (IoP). She is currently the Deputy Chair of the Strategic Advisory Board for the UK National Quantum Technology Program. |
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| 09:30-10:00 |
The state of the space sector: A global perspective
Dr David ParkerUK Space Agency / University of Southampton
Dr David ParkerUK Space Agency / University of Southampton |
Chair
Louis Barson
Institute of Physics
Louis Barson
Institute of Physics
Louis leads the Science and Innovation, Education and Programme functions for the IOP, bringing an international background, with experience of emerging technologies and business innovation strategy. He is also executive lead for the Ecosystem Programme.
| 10:00-10:05 |
Introduction to Session 1
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| 10:05-10:20 |
The value of space applications to a range of sectors: Overview
Stuart MartinFormerly Satellite Applications Catapult
Stuart MartinFormerly Satellite Applications Catapult Stuart was appointed CEO of the Satellite Applications Catapult in January 2013. Prior to this, he was a partner at Logica (now CGI), where he was responsible for the worldwide space business. He also held the position of Vice Chair of UK Space, was a member of the council of Eurospace, as well as being chair of UK judges for the annual European Satellite Navigation Competition. In 2013 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institute of Physics. |
| 10:20-10:35 |
Case study: Advancing fundamental science
Professor Sheila Rowan FRSUniversity of Glasgow
Professor Sheila Rowan FRSUniversity of Glasgow Professor Sheila Rowan FRS is the Chair of Natural Philosophy at the University of Glasgow. Since 2009, Professor Rowan has been Director of the Institute for Gravitational Research at the University of Glasgow’s School of Physics and Astronomy. Her research contributed to one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of this century: the first detection of gravitational waves announced in February 2016. This resulted in a share of the 2016 Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for her and the members of her team in Glasgow. She received the Hoyle Medal and Prize of the IOP in 2016, the Harold Hartley Medal of the Institute of Measurement and Control in 2020 and was made a CBE in 2021.She received the (inaugural) Philip Leverhulme Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. Sheila served from 2018 - 24 on the Council of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, latterly as its Senior Independent Member and Co-Chair. From 2016 - 21 she was the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Scottish Government, and from 2021 - 23 served as President of the Institute of Physics (IoP). She is currently the Deputy Chair of the Strategic Advisory Board for the UK National Quantum Technology Program. |
| 10:35-10:50 |
Case study: Telecomms
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| 10:50-11:00 |
Q&A
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| 11:30-11:35 |
Introduction to Session 2
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| 11:35-11:50 |
Monitoring space
Mark GibbsMET Office
Mark GibbsMET Office |
| 11:50-12:05 |
In orbit manufacturing
Josh WesternSpace Forge
Josh WesternSpace Forge |
| 12:05-12:20 |
Debris removal
Sharon Parker-LinesAsroscale
Sharon Parker-LinesAsroscale Sharon joined Astroscale Ltd. in September 2020 to support the development of the Astroscale business in the UK and Europe. She is a senior leader with extensive experience and a strong reputation built up over 30 years. As Director for Government & Regulatory Affairs, Sharon leads on the company’s interaction with all levels of Westminster and relevant Government agencies as part of Astroscale’s commitment to getting licensing and regulation in place that will foster a sustainable space environment and market. Sharon’s experience includes general management, strategic business development, driving companies from start up, through high growth and commercial development, senior customer account management, and business operations. Her experience also includes operational leadership for an international team of 500 staff. Sharon regularly represents Astroscale and the in-orbit servicing industry in panel discussions on the value of a sustainable space environment and what we need to do to get there. |
| 12:20-12:35 |
Incentivising sustainable practices in space
Joanne WheelerAlden Legal
Joanne WheelerAlden Legal |
| 12:35-12:50 |
Miro-reactors
Katharine JarmanRolls-Royce
Katharine JarmanRolls-Royce |
| 12:50-13:00 |
Q&A
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Chair
Sir Martin Sweeting OBE FREng FRS
Surrey Satellite Technologies Ltd
Sir Martin Sweeting OBE FREng FRS
Surrey Satellite Technologies Ltd
Sir Martin has pioneered rapid-response, low-cost and highly-capable small satellites utilising modern consumer electronics to ‘change the economics of space’ and establish the UK at the forefront of this new field. SSTL has built and launched 47 small satellites and is currently building the 22 satellite navigation payloads for the European Galileo constellation. Sir Martin also leads researchers at the Surrey Space Centre investigating advanced small satellite concepts and techniques, which acts as the research laboratory for SSTL – an exemplar of real academic-commercial synergy. Sir Martin is a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and received the prestigious von Karman Wings Award from CalTech/NASA-JPL. He is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Surrey, a member of the UK Space Agency Leadership Council and, in 2014, was identified by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s 20 most influential engineers.
| 14:30-15:00 |
What should UK do alone and what should be done collaboratively with international partners?
Professor Gillian WrightSTFC
Professor Gillian WrightSTFC |
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Chair
Professor David Southwood
Imperial College University
Professor David Southwood
Imperial College University
| 15:30-17:10 |
Getting the best return for the UK. How to facilitate a more joined up space sector?
Paul BateUK Space Agency
Paul BateUK Space Agency Professor Michele Dougherty CBE FRS, Imperial College London, UK
Professor Michele Dougherty CBE FRS, Imperial College London, UKProfessor Michele Dougherty FRS is Professor of Space Physics at Imperial College London. She is the Principal Investigator of the magnetic field instruments on board the NASA/ESA Cassini-Huygens mission (which is in orbit around the Saturn system) and the ESA JUICE mission (to Jupiter and one of its moons, Ganymede) which will be launched in 2022. She was awarded the 2007 Institute of Physics Chree medal and the 2008 Royal Society Hughes medal for leadership on the Cassini mission and the discovery of a dynamic atmosphere at one of Saturn’s moons, Enceladus. She is presently Chair of the UK Space Agency’s Science Programme Advisory Committee.
Professor Kate Robson BrownSpace Academic Network
Professor Kate Robson BrownSpace Academic Network
Elizabeth SewardBAE Systems
Elizabeth SewardBAE Systems
Rafel Jorda SiquierOpenCosmos
Rafel Jorda SiquierOpenCosmos |
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| 17:10-17:25 |
House of Lords special inqiury into UK's engagement with Space
Baroness Cathy AshtonChair of the House of Lord's space enquiry
Baroness Cathy AshtonChair of the House of Lord's space enquiry |
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