Scaling Up The UK Space Sector In-Orbit podcast

5d ago 33:47

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Is the UK's commitment to space being watered down, or is the recent merger of the UK Space Agency (UKSA) into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) a smart move for efficiency?

Host Dallas Campbell sits down with Mark Saxon, Chief of External Affairs at the Satellite Applications Catapult, to dissect the political landscape shaping the UK space industry's future. They dive deep into the National Space Strategy, the new Industrial Strategy, and the critical importance of a "one government approach" to space policy. Mark argues for a necessary shift from R&D-led grant funding to commercially-driven growth, stressing that to create 'space unicorns,' the sector must move past talking only about technology and instead focus on powerful, benefit-driven stories for customers and investors.

This timely conversation explores the push to scale up UK businesses to £10 million in revenue and capitalises on the current momentum, which is backed by a fresh £1.5 million investment from the UK Space Agency to unlock climate and transport innovations. Discover why Mark is optimistic about the sector's trajectory and the actionable steps needed to ensure its global success.

(00:00) - Welcome to In-Orbit
(02:06) - The Role of Marketing in UK Space
(03:10) - Government's Role in Space
(06:45) - UK Space Agency Merger
(11:59) - Defense and Space
(14:18) - ISAM and UK Launch
(16:27) - Government's Commitment to Space Sector
(18:26) - Overview of the Industrial Strategy
(20:56) - Marketing Space to Investors and Companies
(22:52) - Challenges in Scaling Up Space Companies
(26:02) - Impact of Defense Spending on Space Sector
(28:13) - Regulation and Its Role in Space Industry Growth
(29:55) - Communicating the Benefits of Space Technology
(31:13) - International Opportunities for UK Space Companies
(31:59) - Reflections on the UK Space Industry

Mark Saxon: Chief of External Affairs at the Satellite Applications Catapult, Mark Saxon is a communications, policy, and public affairs expert with over 20 years of experience. With a PhD in genetics, he transitioned his deep technical background from the life sciences sector, including work for companies like Pfizer and Coca-Cola, to championing the growth of the UK space economy. He focuses on enabling businesses to scale, generate exports, and effectively communicate the commercial value of space data and technology.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

83 episodes