Summary
This report discusses a space exploration technology roadmap developed by the UK Space Agency. Key points include:
- The roadmap outlines key technology priorities for space exploration where the UK has strengths. It aims to grow the UK space sector and advance research and development.
- Technologies highlighted align with UK space strategy objectives like growing strengths, emerging sectors, and cooperation. They also support goals like science leadership and economic growth.
- Areas of focus include manufacturing, autonomy, robotics, communications, propulsion, life support systems, instrumentation, and nuclear power. The UK has expertise in these fields.
- The roadmap builds on various international and UK strategies. It considers opportunities with ESA, NASA, and commercial space. Missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond are incorporated.
- Criteria for selecting technologies include clear use in exploration and UK leadership potential per the National Space Strategy’s essential principles. Technologies are assessed for these factors.
- The roadmap provides high-level overviews of each technology’s role, UK capabilities, requirements and potential. More detailed supplementary roadmaps for each may follow.
- It identifies some key gaps like investment and testing facilities that could be addressed to help the UK capitalize on space exploration. Partnerships and funding sources are discussed.
- Next steps are to champion the roadmap, publish supplementary materials, and regularly review it to maintain relevance. It signals areas for UK focus over the next decade.
In summary, the roadmap analyzes key technologies where the UK space sector can contribute to global space exploration ambitions, guiding the UK Space Agency’s strategic priorities and investments. It aligns to wider UK space and innovation strategies.
