UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure

Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 23 Apr 2021 Closed: 19 Feb 2024 Parliament page
The UK space sector holds great potential, generating an income of £14.8 billion annually according to the Government’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy . Nevertheless, it has been suggested that the UK’s approach to space policy requires a rethink. Further, investment in UK lags behind that … Read more
35 Recommendations
10 Conclusions
2 Reports
8 Oral sessions
7 Letters
8 Events
Activity timeline 19 events
27 Oct
2023
Report published
14 Jul
2023
Report published
17 May
2023
Oral evidence
19 Apr
2023
Correspondence
30 Mar
2023
Report published
1 Mar
2023
Oral evidence
4 Nov
2022
Report published
7 Sep
2022
Correspondence
30 Jun
2022
Correspondence
26 May
2022
Correspondence
27 Apr
2022
Correspondence
31 Mar
2022
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 8 sessions
17 May 2023
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UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure
Colin Macleod · Civil Aviation Authority Dave Ballance · SaxaVord Spaceport Frank Strang · SaxaVord Spaceport George Freeman MP · Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Jonas Bjarnø · Orbex Mario Kobald · HyImpulse Technologies Rebecca Evernden · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Rob Bishton · Civil Aviation Authority
1 Mar 2023
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Panel One; Panel Two
Dan Hart · Virgin Orbit Ian Annett · UK Space Agency Joshua Western · Space Forge Ltd Melissa Quinn · Spaceport Cornwall Patrick McCall · Space Forge Ltd Sir Stephen Hillier CBE · Civil Aviation Authority Tim Johnson · Aviation Environment Federation
10 Feb 2022
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Dr Gillian Lang · Glasgow Science Centre Dr Lynne O'Hare · National Manufacturing Institute Scotland Dr Stuart Hannah · MicroPlate Dx Elaine Gemmell · Scottish Health Innovations Ltd Karen Watt · Scottish Funding Council Professor Frank Coton · University of Glasgow Professor Iain Woodhouse · University of Edinburgh Professor Malcolm Macdonald · University of Strathclyde Simon Andrews · Fraunhofer UK
9 Feb 2022
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Dr Paul Bate · UK Space Agency Hugo Robson · Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Mark Thomson · Science and Technology Facilities Council Rebecca Evernden · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng · Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
12 Jan 2022
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Colin Macleod · Civil Aviation Authority Dr Hiroshi Yamakawa · Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Dr Philippe Baptiste · Centre national d'études spatiales—French National Space and Research Centre Josef Aschbacher · European Space Agency Tim Johnson · Aviation Environment Federation
8 Dec 2021
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Chris McLaughlin · OneWeb Dr Hina Khan · Spire Global Limited Jon Styles · Assimila Professor Sir Martin Sweeting · Surrey Satellite Technologies Ltd Yasrine Ibnyahya · Inmarsat
17 Nov 2021
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Alan Thompson · Skyrora Limited Dan Hart · Virgin Orbit Melissa Thorpe · Spaceport Cornwall Nicholas Smith · Lockheed Martin Space Pete Guthrie · Space Hub Sutherland Scott Hammond · SaxaVord Spaceport
3 Nov 2021
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Lucy Edge · Satellite Applications Catapult Professor Anu Ojha · National Space Academy Professor David Southwood · Imperial College London Professor Washington Yotto Ochieng · Imperial College London
Recommendations & Conclusions
45 results
1 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We understand that, once fully launched, the OneWeb low Earth orbit constellation will provide broadband...
We understand that, once fully launched, the OneWeb low Earth orbit constellation will provide broadband coverage, via broadband providers such as BT, to people in the UK and elsewhere, including those in remote areas. However, it is not clear to … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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2 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
Since the UK’s purchase of OneWeb, the number of shareholders has continued to grow.
Since the UK’s purchase of OneWeb, the number of shareholders has continued to grow. Although the Government has provided assurances that the proposed merger with Eutelsat will not affect the UK’s shares and involvement in OneWeb, uncertainty remains over how … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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3 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We acknowledge that OneWeb could bring additional benefits to the UK if it carried out...
We acknowledge that OneWeb could bring additional benefits to the UK if it carried out satellite manufacturing for its Gen2 constellation in the UK, which would stimulate the UK space sector and create new jobs. However, where the Gen2 constellation … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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4 Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy …
The UK has access to ‘open’ Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services, supplied through the...
The UK has access to ‘open’ Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services, supplied through the US GPS system and the EU Galileo system, meaning that most users are not affected by the UK leaving the Galileo programme. The UK currently … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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5 Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We are concerned that the Government seems to be progressing towards plans to use OneWeb’s...
We are concerned that the Government seems to be progressing towards plans to use OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to provide PNT services in the future, despite suggestions from experts that there are many technical issues surrounding using … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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6 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
Considering the importance of developing secure access to PNT services, we are disappointed that the...
Considering the importance of developing secure access to PNT services, we are disappointed that the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is delaying the finalisation and publication of the PNT strategy and therefore refusing to commit to the … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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7 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We understand that the UK space sector has significant concerns about the current and future...
We understand that the UK space sector has significant concerns about the current and future access to data currently supplied by EU’s Copernicus programme, especially if the UK cannot remain a member. BEIS and UK Space Agency (UKSA) 76 UK … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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8 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
The UK is world-leading in Earth Observation (EO) science and technologies.
The UK is world-leading in Earth Observation (EO) science and technologies. The EO sector and the Government have recognised that these strengths can also be used to support other UK ambitions such as Net Zero. Taking guidance from the UK … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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9 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
The UK space sector remains strongly in favour of maintaining the UK’s participation in the...
The UK space sector remains strongly in favour of maintaining the UK’s participation in the EU’s Copernicus Earth observation programme, for which the UK Government has set aside €750 million. Despite this, it is imperative that the UK stands ready … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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10 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
The Government and the UK space sector have made significant steps towards developing a UK...
The Government and the UK space sector have made significant steps towards developing a UK launch capability, with the establishment of a horizontal launch site at Spaceport Cornwall and two vertical launch sites: SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst in Shetland and … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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11 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We understand that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is considering changes to its approach to...
We understand that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is considering changes to its approach to setting liability caps for orbital licences, including changing to a variable liability limit approach, where liability bands are defined and the maximum value is recommended … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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12 Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We were pleased to hear that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been working with...
We were pleased to hear that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been working with spaceports, satellite manufacturers, and launch suppliers to ensure that the spaceflight regulations and licence application processes are fit for purpose. However, we are concerned that … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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13 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
The Government must take steps to ensure that the CAA is appropriately resourced to meet...
The Government must take steps to ensure that the CAA is appropriately resourced to meet the demands of processing increasing numbers of licence applications. Quarterly review meetings should be held by the CAA and DfT to review whether the CAA’s … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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14 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We are disappointed that a launch from the UK has not yet been achieved, especially...
We are disappointed that a launch from the UK has not yet been achieved, especially as we were assured on several occasions that the first horizontal launch would take place in summer 2022. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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15 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We are concerned that the delay in achieving the first UK launch is partly due...
We are concerned that the delay in achieving the first UK launch is partly due to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) being unable to process licence applications in a timely manner. For this initial set of licence applications, the Department … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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16 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
The publication of the Space Industry Regulations in July 2021 was a vital step that...
The publication of the Space Industry Regulations in July 2021 was a vital step that set out the licensing processes for launch activities, including establishing the Civil Aviation Authority as the regulator. The Civil Aviation Authority, with the support of … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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17 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
Although we believe that UK Space Agency (sponsored by BEIS) and the Ministry of Defence...
Although we believe that UK Space Agency (sponsored by BEIS) and the Ministry of Defence are both right to commit to improving their abilities to track and recognise objects in orbit (Space Situational Awareness /Space Domain Awareness), the two departments … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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18 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We commend the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s approach to promoting the sustainable...
We commend the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s approach to promoting the sustainable and safe use of space by developing a “regulatory road map” for the sustainable use of space and working with like- minded nations to promote … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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19 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We commend the Government’s latest announcements which will encourage the UK space industry to use...
We commend the Government’s latest announcements which will encourage the UK space industry to use space sustainably. As space is global in nature, the Government should set out how it intends to work with international partners to establish an International … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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20 Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy …
The Government has taken positive steps towards supporting the establishment of space debris removal missions...
The Government has taken positive steps towards supporting the establishment of space debris removal missions and we look forward to seeing further work in this area, especially on ensuring that regulation of these activities is fit for purpose. Space debris … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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21 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
Research has already shown the UK has the potential to be a world leader in...
Research has already shown the UK has the potential to be a world leader in the growing in-orbit services and manufacturing (IOSM) market. The Government should seize this opportunity. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and UK Space … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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22 Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy …
Although the technology is at a relatively early stage of development, Space Based Solar Power...
Although the technology is at a relatively early stage of development, Space Based Solar Power (SBSP) has the potential to become a useful supply of green energy by 2050, helping the UK to reach its Net Zero goals. We commend … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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23 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
Space-based projects, including fundamental research and development of new and especially wholly novel technologies, generally...
Space-based projects, including fundamental research and development of new and especially wholly novel technologies, generally occur on long timescales and therefore require long-term funding. We were pleased to see the announcement of a three-year budget for the Department for Business, … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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24 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
The current procurement systems are limiting the growth of the UK space sector and SMEs...
The current procurement systems are limiting the growth of the UK space sector and SMEs require further support to access new customers and expand. The Government should further consider how procurement could be used to support businesses and leverage further … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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25 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
Clusters, such as those in Harwell and Glasgow, can be established in different ways and...
Clusters, such as those in Harwell and Glasgow, can be established in different ways and clearly bring benefits to the UK space sector. We welcome UK Space Agency’s (UKSA’s) announcements of at least some funding for the establishment of further … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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26 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
The Satellite Applications Catapult has been instrumental in securing the establishment and development of space...
The Satellite Applications Catapult has been instrumental in securing the establishment and development of space sector SMEs and driving the growth of Harwell space campus. The Government should provide further support to the Satellite Applications Catapult, which will in turn … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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27 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
The UK’s involvement in the European Space Agency (ESA) has brought a wide range of...
The UK’s involvement in the European Space Agency (ESA) has brought a wide range of benefits to the UK and its space sector, but there is a need to re-address the balance between funding for ESA programmes and funding for … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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28 Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy …
The UK has already benefited from new international agreements that have been established outside of...
The UK has already benefited from new international agreements that have been established outside of the European Union, such as with the US on the Artemis Accords and the UK-Australia Space Bridge. More needs to be done to ensure that … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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29 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
The space sector is suffering from a skills shortage, with experienced employees and those with...
The space sector is suffering from a skills shortage, with experienced employees and those with skills such as programming being particularly hard to find. Higher Education institutions struggle to provide training that keeps pace with technical advancements happening in the … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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30 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
Companies often find it difficult to recruit employees with considerable experience, but we think companies...
Companies often find it difficult to recruit employees with considerable experience, but we think companies are also hesitant to invest money and time into training staff. This is partly due to the short-term nature of grant funding, creating a need … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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31 Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy …
If the UK is to address the space skills shortage it is currently facing, then...
If the UK is to address the space skills shortage it is currently facing, then it will need to inspire future generations to take up a career in space. Although the UK Space Agency has programmes in place that are … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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32 Conclusion
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We welcome the publication of the National Space Strategy, which provides a good overarching vision...
We welcome the publication of the National Space Strategy, which provides a good overarching vision for future civil and defence space applications. However, the strategy lacks details on how its broad aims will be achieved and does not specify on … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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33 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We are reassured that the Government has set up a national space board that is...
We are reassured that the Government has set up a national space board that is developing a cross-Government implementation plan to sit alongside the National UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure 81 Space Strategy. To ensure that the space … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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34 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
We share the space sector’s concern that there has been no announced uplift in public...
We share the space sector’s concern that there has been no announced uplift in public funding for space to accompany the National Space Strategy and support the achievement of its objectives. This is all the more concerning given that the … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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35 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
While we accept that the scope of the UK space industry is quickly changing and...
While we accept that the scope of the UK space industry is quickly changing and that the Government must take an adaptable approach to measuring its success, dropping headline targets when producing strategies and plans indicates a lack of ambition. … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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36 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
As the National Space Strategy stressed that civil and defence capabilities would be brought together...
As the National Space Strategy stressed that civil and defence capabilities would be brought together wherever possible (so called ‘dual use’), more needs to be done to identify where overlapping capabilities can be brought together to exploit synergies and remove … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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37 Recommendation
Second Report - UK space strategy …
Despite some potentially purposeful activity—including the establishment of the National Space Council and the National...
Despite some potentially purposeful activity—including the establishment of the National Space Council and the National Space Board and the publication of two over-lapping high-level strategies (the National, and the Defence, space strategies)— the disbanding of the National Space Council is … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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1 Conclusion
Seventh Report - UK space strategy…
Publish outcomes of spaceflight regulatory review by September 2023 to streamline licensing process
The evidence that we have taken indicated that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) got off to a slow start with implementing the spaceflight regulations. Some people in the launch sector reported that their engagement with the CAA was more cumbersome … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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2 Recommendation
Seventh Report - UK space strategy…
Improve Civil Aviation Authority communication with space licence applicants regarding application progress and timelines
It is clear from the evidence that we have taken that more certainty around licencing timelines could bring benefits to the UK launch sector, through providing a signal that the UK is ready and open for business. Throughout the licencing … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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3 Recommendation
Seventh Report - UK space strategy…
Convene regulatory bodies to streamline space launch licensing through consistent information and parallel processes
Following the initial launch attempt, it is clear that there are streamlining improvements that should be made to ensure that the regulatory processes leading up to launch are best aligned. The Government should convene all of the regulatory bodies involved … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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4 Recommendation
Seventh Report - UK space strategy…
Secure ongoing international airspace agreements to facilitate smoother complex UK space launches
Due to the complex nature of conducting launches from the UK, where many countries’ airspace is involved, it is not surprising to hear that this has been a challenge for both launch companies and the Civil Aviation Authority. The Department … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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5 Recommendation
Seventh Report - UK space strategy…
Publish plans for ongoing government financial support to the UK space launch sector
We are pleased to see the progress being made at spaceports across the country and with the pace at which SaxaVord Spaceport, which has been almost entirely privately funded, is developing. SaxaVord Spaceport is now likely to be the first … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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6 Conclusion
Seventh Report - UK space strategy…
Government leadership and organisation for the UK space sector remains inadequate and disjointed
Whilst we welcome the progress being made on the creation of the National Space Council, we are disappointed that it was only after our questioning on the topic that the Government confirmed that the group would be established. The UK … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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7 Recommendation
Seventh Report - UK space strategy…
Appoint a sector leader to ensure success of the Space Sector Industry Forum by end 2023
The establishment of the Space Sector Industry Forum provides an opportunity for the Government to take advice from space and satellite sector experts. The Government should appoint a leader from the sector to ensure the success of this Forum by … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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8 Recommendation
Seventh Report - UK space strategy…
Publish the Position, Navigation and Timing Strategy without further delay alongside this report response
The Government continues to delay key decisions that need to be made about the UK’s critical Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities. It has long promised to update its PNT strategy but work on this topic has been passed between … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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Correspondence 7 letters
19 Apr 2023 Correspondence from Minister of State for Department for Transport, to Chair in relation to the Committee’s evidence session, Wednesday 1 March on the recent UK space launch, dated 27 March 2023
Parliament page
7 Sep 2022 Correspondence from Secretary of State for BEIS relating to OneWeb merger
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30 Jun 2022 Correspondence from Science Minister George Freeman MP relating to Space Industry Regulations
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26 May 2022 Correspondence from Rt. Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, To the Chair regarding the Committee's visit to Glasgow
Parliament page
27 Apr 2022 Correspondence from the Chair to Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, regarding the Committee's visit to Glasgow
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31 Mar 2022 Correspondence from Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, relating to the national PNT strategy
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23 Mar 2022 Correspondence from the Chair to Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, regarding the National Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Strategy
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