UK funding to the European Space Agency increases to £374 million a year over the next five years

The UK has committed to raise its funding to European Space Agency (ESA) programmes by 15 per cent, taking it to £374 million a year over the next five years.

The funding decision, made at the ESA Council of Ministers meeting in Seville, represents an important commitment to upcoming pan-European space programmes and secures UK involvement in a range of projects like the Lunar Gateway, the Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover, and new satellites which will to help analysts to better understand climate change.

Fast growing space sector

ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: “The UK is home to a fast-growing space sector that benefits from our direct participation in ESA’s pan-European space programmes.”

“The decision to increase the UK’s financial commitment to ESA during the next five years will generate and secure high-value jobs in this technologically advanced industry.”

“The combination of sustained ESA investment and an active national space programme will ensure the UK remains at the cutting edge of new space technologies; generating economic and industrial opportunities for the long-term.”

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