Future of Aerospace
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“The only limit today for flight is our imagination.”
Tim Robinson, Editor in Chief, Royal Aeronautical Society Page 02
“One of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today is space debris.”
Matt Archer, Director of Launch, UK Space Agency Page 06
Flying to new heights with today’s aviation designs and technologies
With aerospace, aviation and spaceflight at an inflexion point across multiple sectors and the speed of innovation accelerating, this is the most exciting time to be in the industry since the 1960s.
Tim Robinson Editor in Chief, AEROSPACE, Royal Aeronautical Society
In 1969, three historic events inspired a generation to join the global aeronautical industry — whether as engineers, pilots, air law or human factors experts. The first flights of the Boeing 747 and Concorde, and the Apollo Moon landing, lifted eyes to the skies and fuelled a vision of a brighter future where flight connects and unites people worldwide.
Aerospace breakthroughs enable sustainability Fast forward to 2024, and a range of breakthroughs across aerospace is redefining design, innovation and technology — attracting a new generation of visionaries. In civil aerospace, as jet engines make steady advances in efficiency, innovative designs such as long and thin ultra-efficient wings, blended wing bodies and supersonic deltas are being developed for future airliners.
Coupled with new fuels like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), e-fuels and hydrogen, alongside improvements in contrail management, new airliners promise sustainable growth in air travel. This progress will enable more people globally to experience other cultures and connect face-toface, meeting a vital human need.
Advancements in military aviation
In military aviation, for the first time in a generation, advanced fighter projects are underway around
Government’s billion-pound
aerospace investment and industrial strategy explained
The Government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper acknowledges aerospace as crucial for long-term growth, but meaningful policy action is now needed to address sector challenges. Senior Project Manager: Lydia Butler lydia.butler@mediaplanet.com
the world. Companies are developing cutting-edge technology in hypersonics, directed-energy weapons, advanced drones and artificial intelligence to strengthen air defences against growing technological threats.
Meanwhile, the electrification of society and rise of autonomous systems are unlocking a new sector of flight in advanced air mobility. These innovations include drones for emergency response, climate monitoring and logistics, plus electric VTOL air taxis, hybrid-electric commuter aircraft and airships designed for low or zero-carbon regional and urban air transport.
Heavy-lift rockets revolutionise space
Finally, in spaceflight, the advent of heavy-lift reusable rockets has drastically reduced the cost of launching payloads into orbit. This advancement opens up possibilities that once seemed like science fiction, such as orbital hotels and solar power stations that could provide cheap electricity. Additionally, we are looking at a return to the Moon within the next decade and Mars beyond that. The only limit today for flight is our imagination.
Strategy for aerospace must empower businesses throughout the supply chain to become more resilient and dynamic.
An Industrial Strategy has the power to unite different areas of Government, industry and investors.
Challenges across the supply chain, barriers in regulation and lack of investment in industrialising world-leading UK innovation have been holding aerospace back from reaching its potential in recent years. This stifles investment, innovation and the UK’s international competitiveness.
Achieving goals within the aerospace sector
The Government has already taken a vital first step to breaking down barriers. Their decision to ensure a decade of funding for aerospace innovation that totals almost £1 billion recognises the long-term nature of funding cycles within aerospace. The role that the Government can play by acting as a cornerstone investor to crowd in
private investment to the sector is critical to stimulate further growth. This is also true of the wider range of tax credits and allowances the Government uses to increase available R&D capital.
Strategy strengthens aerospace sector
An Industrial Strategy has the power to unite different areas of Government, industry and investors towards a common goal. This is crucial for driving growth and tackling the skills shortages in critical areas that hold back productivity and efficiency for aerospace businesses of all sizes. The supply chain in aerospace is long and complex, but it is also the bedrock of the sector, and its success is vital. An Industrial
Aerospace drives UK growth By implementing these changes and working in close partnership with industry throughout the process, the Industrial Strategy can create the right environment for the aerospace sector to thrive. This is a sector that already supports 104,000 highly skilled, high-productivity jobs across the UK, generated £2.8 billion in private investment in 2022 and earns £20 billion in exports. However, it can deliver even more.
The aerospace sector exists as part of the wider economy; its continued growth and prosperity benefit the whole country. The future of aerospace matters beyond the sector because it is key to the economic success of the UK as a whole.
Balaji Srimoolanathan, Aerospace & Space Director, ADS
We’re
fostering an important talent pipeline for the space industry and are committed to driving social
mobility.
Space research centre to launch innovation and economic growth in the North East
The North East Space Skills and Technology centre (NESST) will drive groundbreaking research, train the next generation of space scientists and support economic growth in the North East and beyond.
Professor John Woodward Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), Northumbria University
WRITTEN BY Angelica Hackett O’Toole
Delivered in partnership with the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin UK Space, the £50 million centre brings together industry and academia to collaborate on internationally significant space research and technological developments from its base on Northumbria University’s Newcastle city campus.
Uniting industry with academia “NESST is the culmination of a clear strategic vision, resulting in significant investment in space research at Northumbria over the past decade,” said Professor John Woodward, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International), who worked with government, industry leaders and colleagues across the University to drive the development of the centre.
“The breadth of the University’s interdisciplinary space research is significant. From optical satellite communications, space weather and space-based energy to space law, astronaut health and earth observation, NESST will enable us to expand our work and serve as a hub for collaboration.”
Future-proofing the space workforce
As well as putting the UK at the forefront of key areas of research, NESST will also provide the specialist education and training required to meet the future workforce demands of the UK space industry, recruiting the very best students and upskilling those already working in the sector.
“In the North East alone, we estimate that we will need around 7,000 additional space experts in a variety of emerging fields in the next decade,” explains Professor Woodward. “From undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses and T-Levels, we will support more students to access training and education in the space industry.
“We will embed experiential learning into programmes to boost graduate employability. By attracting businesses into the University, NESST will provide live projects and placement opportunities for students while offering resources and talent to our partners. This vision for transformative education ensures that
graduates are not only academically prepared but also industry-ready for the world of work.”
Initiatives promoting STEM careers
Working with schools and industry partners, the University is dedicated to promoting STEM careers by delivering initiatives such as Space Camp − a four-day out-of-this-world on-campus event attended by over 60 young people. Organised by Lockheed Martin and Viasat, the pupils were able to immerse themselves in the discovery of space through a range of practical workshops and projects.
“We’re fostering an important talent pipeline for the space industry and are committed to driving social mobility. Our ambition is to ignite aspiration, remove barriers and offer routes for people from all backgrounds to access and succeed in higher education,” adds Professor Woodward.
Driving growth regionally, nationally, internationally NESST is expected to support the creation of over 350 jobs and inject over £260 million into the North East economy over the next 30 years. It is already becoming a catalyst for the wider development of the UK space sector in the region with a recent award of £2.5 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) creating the North East Space Communications Accelerator (NESCA) which will bridge the gap between space research and industry-ready products launching in the market, while delivering real place-based impact.
Professor Woodward reaffirms: “NESST will supercharge the space ecosystem by helping to develop supply chains for manufacturing; driving innovation, spinouts and start-ups; and enabling businesses in the North East and across the country to gain access to international markets, particularly the US through our partnership with Lockheed Martin Space. It sends a clear signal that the UK space economy is a brilliant sector to invest in, one which is vibrant and growing.
“I’ve described NESST to many people by saying we used to build ships on the Tyne, and now, we’re going to build spaceships. For me, this describes the natural evolution of the region’s industrial base towards the high-value industries of the future.”
ImageprovidedbyNorthumbriaUniversity; Artist s impression of the North EastSpaceSkillsandTechnologycentre
The power above us: why aerospace is a vital national asset
The UK has a proud and strong heritage in the aerospace domain. It is one of our most valuable commodities, which generates and sustains both national growth and a highly skilled workforce in cutting-edge technologies.
Air Marshal (Ret’d)
Greg Bagwell CBE
President, The Air & Space Power Association
We take much of it for granted today, with air travel commonplace and space-enabled services purring away in the background – unseen, unappreciated and little understood – where their assumed continuity of service is never questioned – until they fail. But it also faces increasing competition from those who might do us harm.
We don’t need to look far to see how dangerous our world has become, with ‘bad actors’ who attack sovereignty, democracy and life itself. Whether it be disruptive attacks in space or long-range missile and drone strikes, air and space power can bring the horrors of war into our cities and our homes, no matter how safe we might think we are.
Military and civil tech crossover
Increasingly, today, the technology we see in our homes is now synonymous with that once reserved for militaries and government agencies. Indeed, many of the greatest advancements today stem from private investment and commercial entities, not the secret research and development agencies of governments. But one thing is still clear, and has been since the advent of the aircraft,
Appreciation of air and space
The Air & Space Power Association aims to promote an understanding and appreciation of air and space power in and to the UK. We find that for many, air and space are held in almost romantic awe, where the reference points are the Battle of Britain or Neil Armstrong’s first step.
Air and space power remains one of our most effective means for standing up to those who may do us harm.
The truth is far more complex, wonderful and dangerous than any of those, and we felt the time was right to produce our first official publication. It tries to make the incredibly complex simple, but most importantly it tries to raise awareness as to how fragile, yet vital it is to keep us safe. We commend it, and you can access the free e-book
THE UK’S LARGEST SPACE INDUSTRY EVENT
From technical expertise to arts and social sciences, the industry’s collaborative environment is creating roles for nearly every background.
- Joanne Oliver, Director, SpaceCareers.uk
Find a space career that makes a universal impact
The evolving space industry is transforming life on Earth, with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices offering impactful careers addressing global environmental challenges.
The space industry is rapidly evolving with innovations in satellite tech, exploration and commercial flight aiming to benefit Earth and beyond. Yet, misconceptions about career accessibility and environmental impact remain. As the space industry evolves, understanding its sustainable practices, varied career paths and diverse opportunities is crucial to building further growth and investment.
Space as an interdisciplinary field
Space technology plays a vital role in addressing global challenges on Earth, especially in tracking climate change and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Satellites equipped with advanced sensors continuously monitor Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and land. They provide critical data on rising temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.
For those interested in sustainability, the sector relies on specialised careers beyond traditional space roles, including environmental scientists, data analysts, software engineers, policy advisors and agricultural specialists. This interdisciplinary field opens space careers for scientists, environmental advocates and tech experts alike, reflecting just how varied and far-reaching opportunities in space have become.
Exploring sustainable practices
While space launches have traditionally raised
The
UK
space
sector’s
role in active space debris removal
The UK space sector is a hotbed of innovation, development and collaboration. One of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today is space debris, posing risks to current and future space missions.
Active debris removal (ADR) has emerged as a critical technology in addressing the space debris issue, ensuring the sustainability of space activities. The UK is positioning itself to be at the forefront of these efforts, spearheading projects to develop and implement ADR technologies.
What is space debris?
Space debris refers to defunct human-made objects in space, such as old satellites, spent rocket stages and fragments from disintegration, erosion and collisions. These objects pose significant risks to both current
environmental concerns, the industry is moving toward more sustainable practices, exploring eco-friendly fuels and propulsion methods and reducing energy consumption. Additionally, as satellites multiply, careers in space debris management, orbital mechanics, robotics and software engineering are expanding to safely capture and deorbit inactive satellites. The UK space sector’s leading role in space sustainability offers unique opportunities for those passionate about creating safer, cleaner orbital environments.
Tackling climate change through space careers
For those considering careers in tackling climate change and sustainability issues, today’s space industry brings solutions through wide-ranging expertise. Space missions require a diverse team of business strategists, project managers, regulatory specialists and policy advisors to guide complex missions and global space policies while software engineers and data scientists manage mission-critical data.
From technical expertise to arts and social sciences, the industry’s collaborative environment is creating roles for nearly every background. SpaceCareers.uk is a leading platform dedicated to fostering talent in the space industry, providing career journeys from all walks of life to explore the myriad of pathways available.
and future space missions.
UK active debris removal initiatives
The UK Space Agency has been proactive in tackling the space debris problem, with nearly £10 million in funding committed so far. This will help develop the key technologies required to locate, inspect, safely dock with and remove space debris. These technologies are the first step to unlocking an emerging market in In-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM). ADR mission concepts by two UK companies, Astroscale and ClearSpace, passed their preliminary design reviews in early
2024 and recently commenced the next phase of work. This will develop and derisk the technologies involved, which also have applications for other ISAM activities, such as satellite refuelling and life extension. This phase will be complete by March 2025, after which a mission concept is expected to be selected and funded for launch within the next few years. If successful, it will de-orbit two defunct UK-licenced satellites in one of the world’s first ADR missions, demonstrating UK leadership.
Why addressing space debris matters
Addressing the issue of space debris is crucial for fostering innovation and attracting investment in the UK space sector. By developing and implementing ADR technologies, the UK is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable space practices. This not only enhances the safety and longevity of space missions but also drives technological advancements and economic growth. Ultimately, these efforts will contribute to a more sustainable future in space, ensuring that space remains a viable and safe environment for future generations.
Matt Archer Director of Launch, UK Space Agency
Joanne Oliver Director, SpaceCareers.uk
Space plays an essential role in the UK’s economy, security and defence.
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Doug Liddle, Chair, UKspace
Leading the UK space industry to generate growth and global opportunities
Find out how the official trade association champions the UK space sector, fostering growth, collaboration and global opportunities while advocating for policy and funding stability.
For more than 30 years, UKspace has been at the forefront of the UK’s space industry, establishing itself as the leading voice for the sector. Today, with nearly 200 members — from startups to multinational corporations across the value chain — it is the only trade association dedicated to the UK space sector.
Far-reaching influence UKspace works flexibly and responsively to support its members and ensure their voices are heard. Specialist committees and working groups provide regular opportunities for members to collaborate, network and influence policy direction.
Evolving landscape
economy, security and defence, sustainability, Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and much more. It champions the wider benefits of a vibrant space industry; this is where UKspace plays a unique role. This means raising awareness of just how intrinsic space data and technology are to our everyday lives and highlighting the need for space to have a long-term and stable policy and funding platform. It is securing formal recognition within the Government’s modern industrial strategy, due for publication in spring 2025.
Space plays an essential role in the UK’s economy.
The 2023 ‘Size and Health of the UK Space Industry’ report, published in July 2024, showed that the sector continues to grow and remain highly productive. However, this is a time of inflexion for the UK space sector, as it faces tightening national budgets alongside the opportunity of growing international markets. More than ever, the sector must come together with a single voice to meet these challenges and deliver the transformational change and national prosperity it is uniquely placed to do.
Space impacting our lives
Space plays an essential role in the UK’s
Global opportunities
With the UK recognised as a world leader in the design and production of small satellites, combined with ideal conditions for their launch, UKspace continues to build relationships with similar trade organisations, identifying strategic and commercial opportunities for members in the UK and potential partners around the world.
Doug Liddle Chair, UKspace
Technology is a critical enabler for people and higher productivity.
How the defence sector can adapt to meet new challenges — and deliver better value
The defence industry must evolve to become more agile and resilient if it’s to meet the operational needs of the next decade in an increasingly complex and turbulent world.
Companies in the UK defence sector are operating in an increasingly complex, financially constrained, and uncertain geopolitical landscape.
Macro and micro defence challenges
When it comes to addressing challenges, the industry must consider both the macro picture and the micro picture, says Jeremy Berwick, expert in aerospace, defence and security at PA Consulting, the global innovation consultancy.
WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway
“On the macro side, there are challenges that our defence industry clients have very little control over, such as the war in Ukraine,” he notes.
“Another example would be when there’s a lack of funding certainty from government, which means that any capital investment that defence companies make comes with more risks attached.”
Importance of agility and resilience
The micro picture, on the other hand, includes challenges which the industry can control. Responding to these effectively requires agility and resilience, says Berwick. Take the issue of organisations closing their skills gaps by developing and retaining the best people. “The defence industry has a workforce that is ageing and retiring,” he explains. “So, the sector must be made relevant and exciting to attract a younger generation.”
On this, Berwick advocates alternate approaches to attracting talent to the defence industry such as taking an aptitude-based
approach to recruitment — which prioritises problem-solving, collaboration, cultural fit and soft skills over formal technical expertise and qualifications. To attract and retain talent, firms should also make their work environments more modernised, with collaborative ways of working, flatter team structures, proactive coaching and mentoring.
Efficiencies through better use of technology Plus, ways of working need to modernise to increase industrial throughput. “Technology is a critical enabler for people and higher productivity,” says Berwick. “It gives workers the space to be truly productive and fulfil their roles in a more meaningful way.”
Increased adoption of digital tools, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, is becoming crucial for advancing engineering and manufacturing processes. “Digital tooling isn’t yet fully integrated across every aspect of most companies,” notes Berwick. “However, there’s reason for optimism, particularly within engineering.”
For instance, ‘digital threads’ can create a seamless data flow across a product’s lifecycle, from design to deployment. They let companies use virtual simulations to reduce costly rework, speed up testing and accelerate production. Expanding digital threads to include all areas — like support and training — boosts productivity, streamlines workflows and improves teamwork.
Importing expertise from other sectors
Berwick highlights the potential for the defence industry to draw valuable insights from other sectors.
“The automotive industry, for example, has long been regarded as a benchmark of manufacturing operational excellence,” he says.
“As automotive manufacturing becomes increasingly automated and software-driven — requiring fewer hands-on personnel — there is a unique opportunity to bring this deep operational expertise into the defence industry. Using techniques from automotive engine manufacturing, for instance, could significantly reduce build times and improve efficiency in defence production.”
With greater collaboration, the aerospace, defence and security industries can build a safer future. “However, this requires fundamental building blocks to be in place,” says Berwick. “There has to be clarity of defence priorities, policy and funding; a long-term demand signal; and a clear set of commercial incentives on both sides of government and industry.”
While these challenges will not be solved overnight, Berwick is optimistic about the industry’s future and PA Consulting’s role in accelerating its transformation.
“From using digital threads and advanced manufacturing techniques to attracting and retaining top talent, there are huge opportunities for the defence industry to innovate and achieve tangible results.”
Jeremy Berwick Expert in Aerospace, Defence and Security, PA Consulting