Guidance

Unlocking Space One Stop Shop for Information

Published 12 May 2025

1. Context

The Unlocking Space One Stop Shop for Information is part of the Unlocking Space for Government – Defence programme, designed to support organisations already working, or aiming to work, across civil and defence space with relevant information about a range of topics, such as security clearance, commercial information, and regulations.  

The topics covered on the Unlocking Space One Stop Shop for Information webpage were selected based on the information gaps highlighted by industry responses collected as part of the Unlocking Space Request for Information (RFI), launched in 2024.  

The aim of the webpage is to summarise information from across government departments to raise awareness of the guidance, training, and support already available for space sector organisations operating across civil and defence space, and to make this information easily accessible. This page will be regularly reviewed and updated to incorporate other relevant information.

2. The UK Space Agency

The UK Space Agency supports the government to boost UK prosperity, understand the Universe, and protect our planet and outer space. It is an executive Agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and primarily supports the delivery of the National Space Strategy.  

It nurtures a thriving space ecosystem – a network of investors, scientists, engineers, academia and research labs – and a sector that generates an annual income of £18.9 billion and employs 52,000 people across the country. 

Find out more about the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.   

2.1 The Unlocking Space Programme 

The Unlocking Space Programme is made up of four main workstreams, which are:

• Unlocking Space for Government - Civil  

• Unlocking Space for Government - Defence 

• Unlocking Space for Business  

• Unlocking Space for Investment  

2.2 Unlocking Space for Government 

Civil workstream 

Unlocking Space for Government is a UK Space Agency strategic initiative aimed at driving up the adoption of space-enabled data, products and services across the public sector, harnessing the UK’s satellite-enabled capabilities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UK Government services.  

This programme seeks to improve delivery of public services, ranging from environmental monitoring, urban planning and healthcare, to disaster management. It will also strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in space technology for applications that create positive social, environmental, safety and security, and economic impact. 

Defence workstream 

The government has committed in the National Space Strategy in Action, Defence Space Strategy, and the Space Industrial Plan to a cross-departmental approach on space for national security and dual use technology. It has also committed to identifying new opportunities for defence space and to embed the concept within defence capability management.  

To meet these commitments, the UK Space Agency developed a programme that supports this priority, and the Unlocking Space for Government – Defence (USG - D) team is delivering a set of interventions to support these objectives.  

The Unlocking Space for Government – Defence workstream of the programme aims to improve civil and defence collaboration for space, support the UK space sector to develop dual-use technology, and foster capabilities that serve both defence and civilian sectors.  

The programme aims to: 

• raise awareness and provide information to help UK organisations working across civil and defence space navigate the complexities of both sectors

• enhance public services and provide clearer demand signals for industry by enhancing strategic alignment between civilian and defence space

• support the growth of UK space companies through funding and investment opportunities

• improve civil and defence funding collaboration and strategic coordination to support space for national security

2.3 Unlocking Space for Business

Unlocking Space for Business is a UK Space Agency programme aiming to raise the UK space sector’s customer base by supporting businesses in the financial services and transport & logistics sectors to deliver operational, customer and environmental benefits through the use of innovative satellite solutions.  

Since launching in October 2023, the programme has engaged more than 350 organisations through initiatives including in-person networking events, customised exploration workshops and government funding for pilot projects. 

2.4 Unlocking Space for Investment

Unlocking Space for Investment aims to drive private investment into the UK space sector by addressing barriers related to access to finance, maximising the impact of public investments. To bridge the access to finance gap in the sector, the programme is delivering four key interventions: the Business & Investor Pathway (BIP), the UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund (UKI2S) Space Portfolio, the Space Investment Day and the Space Investment Network. 

3. Department for Business and Trade (DBT) 

The Space Sector Team (SST) in the Department for Business and Trade helps space sector companies invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country. The team is made up of sector experts who support decision-making and delivery across the Department’s full range of objectives, providing expertise and advice to senior officials and Ministers. SST also provide practical advice and support to companies looking to invest, grow and export.

Further information on exports from the UK and the expand your business tool can be found in the HMG Front Doors section.

Once you have set up your space business in the UK, you can access a range of trade support and advice. These can help whether you’re looking to export for the first time or grow into new or existing markets. The online resources and step-by-step guides provide an overview of what you need to know to get started. You can: 

• find a step-by-step guide to exporting from the UK on GOV.UK

• learn more about the basics of exporting from the UK, by topic

• find UK Government export services 

• get online and in-person help

3.1 Export Controls Joint Unit (ECJU) 

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) administers the UK’s system of export controls and licensing for military and dual-use items. ECJU brings together operational and policy expertise from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Ministry of Defence (MOD).  The UK Strategic Export Control Lists (known as the consolidated list) are compiled from seven lists in various pieces of international legislation which set out what types of goods are controlled.  

The ECJU defines Dual Use as items (including applications, technology, and software) that can be used for both civil and military purposes.  

These controls include items such as space launch vehicles, “spacecraft”, “spacecraft buses”, “spacecraft payloads”, “spacecraft” on-board systems or equipment, terrestrial equipment, air-launch platforms and “sub-orbital craft”.  As well as goods and software that can go into spacecraft and goods, software and technology used in the manufacturing, development and use of spacecraft.  

If an item is listed under a control list (‘rating’) entry there is a need for an export licence from the ECJU. If goods are not on the control lists, there may still be a need for a licence under end-use controls. This applies where there are concerns over their use in a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programme.   

General queries about strategic export licensing can be sent to exportcontrol.help@businessandtrade.gov.uk or telephone 020 7215 4594. 

3.2 UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE) 

UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE) helps UK defence, physical and cyber security companies to export products, technology and services. They provide specialist export advice and practical assistance, and they also help unlock high-value and strategic inward investments in these industries across the whole of the UK. 

UKDSE works closely with industry and Government departments including the Ministry of Defence, the Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as well as government agencies UK Export Finance and Export Control Joint Unit. 

General queries can be sent to dbt-ukdse.enquiry@businessandtrade.gov.uk; also, the UKDSE contacts directory contains information about the direct contact for specific teams. 

4. National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) 

NSpOC is a joint capability developed by the UK Space Agency and the UK Space Command in partnership with the Met Office which combines and coordinates civil and military space domain awareness capabilities to enable UK space operations and protect our interests in space and on Earth from space related threats, risks, and hazards. NSpOC periodically issues contracts and grants for relevant activities.  

As part of a collaboration exercise with relevant government departments, a set of Space Domain Awareness requirements to inform industry of potential future requirements has been approved by all relevant UK Government stakeholder organisations in a published document. It will be subject to regular review, and shared where possible, to keep pace with operational and technological advances in a rapidly changing domain. 

5. UK Space Command 

UK Space Command’s mission is to:

Protect and defend our national and military space interests, and enable our forces to operate globally.

UK Space Command is the defence lead for space operations, space workforce and space capability. It is a joint command, based at RAF High Wycombe and staffed by personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, alongside civil servants and commercial contractors. UK Space Command is also supported by an increasing number of exchange personnel from international partners and allies.

UK Space Command brings together three functions under a single military commander:

1. Delivering day-to-day space operations
2. Growing and training the defence space workforce, and
3. Developing and delivering the space equipment programmes.

Following its creation in 2021, UK Space Command went through stages of formation and then establishment. Its current priorities are operationalisation and normalisation within the wider defence structure, delivering defined and assured space support to UK and allied military operations on sea, land, air, and in cyberspace.

UK Space Command has an ‘own, collaborate, access’ approach to space capability growth. This approach bounds the capability programme, while also defining what must be retained as a sovereign capability and where the command can collaborate with allies and partners; or simply access space-based services through the domestic and international commercial Space industry.

Collaboration with international partners is key in space. UK Space Command works closely with the UK’s partner nations in the Combined Space Operations Initiative, Five Eyes, NATO, and other bilateral relationships. The command also contributes to the US-led space coalition under Operation Olympic Defender. Operation Olympic Defender is a multinational space effort to optimise operations, improve the assurance of missions, enhance the resilience of systems, strengthen deterrence against hostile actors, and reduce the spread of debris.

6. Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) 

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) brings strategic advantage to UK defence and security through science and technology. Dstl is the Ministry of Defence (MOD) science and technology organisation, providing unique expertise, crucial insights and delivering battle-winning solutions for the benefit of the nation and allies. Further information about Dstl can be found here. 

Dstl also provides the UK with advanced space science, technology, services and advice to monitor, protect and defend our interests in and through space.

This page provides useful information on how to work with Dstl, including:

• understand the new rules shaping how public bodies buy goods and services in place from 24 February 2025 and see the additional guidance for defence and security contracts

• register your interest in working with Dstl 

• complete their short survey  if you already work with them - your opinion matters.

• sign up for webinars which highlight exciting new opportunities and explain how to bid for work. For more information email searchlight@dstl.gov.uk

This page also explains how to become a supplier and where to find the opportunities that are available. Dstl works alongside a range of suppliers to provide our customers with the best science and technology, research and capabilities to protect the UK’s security and advance the UK’s defence interests. Find out more about Dstl efforts to increase collaboration and engagement with Ministry of Defence in the Defence Science and Technology (DST) collaboration and engagement strategy.

7. Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) 

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) finds and funds exploitable innovation to support UK defence and security quickly and effectively, and support UK prosperity. Our vision is for the UK to have strategic advantage through the most innovative defence and security capabilities in the world. DASA achieves this by welcoming ideas from innovators small and large, providing support to those who have not previously worked with government.  

DASA is a cross-government team from a wide range of backgrounds including defence, security, the private sector and academia. DASA also has a London Hub based in White City and 12 regionally based Innovation Partners, covering the length and breadth of the UK including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. By working locally, supporting and advising innovators of all shapes and sizes, they provide a critical link to pull through innovation to help the Ministry of Defence, Home Office, Department for Transport and other parts of government keep the UK safe by staying ahead of the threats we face. 

8. Regulations 

Space Regulatory Review 2024 

The Space Regulatory Review was developed collaboratively with government, independent regulators and the space, defence, finance and insurance sectors.   

This partnership has a single unifying message to provide clarity and certainty through our regulatory framework during a time of innovation and rapid change in the sector to boost confidence across industry and investors both nationally and abroad.  

The report identifies 7 priority outcomes and 17 recommendations to maintain the UK as one of the best places on Earth to start, scale and run a space business, which are:

• agility: greater, responsive coordination across government departments and regulators

• innovation: a dynamic framework that supports novel and emerging missions and technologies

• growth: a progressive regulatory framework that encourages investment

• international partnership: a multilateral alliance with other spacefaring nations with aligned regulatory frameworks and best international practice

• safety and sustainability: incentivising sustainable space activities, protecting the space environment and its celestial bodies

• accessibility: a coherent suite of primary and secondary space legislation with clear published guidance

• national interest: a civil and commercial space regulatory framework that supports UK national security

This confidence in our future regulatory regime will help drive growth, encourage innovation and sustainability to realise UK ambitions in space while ensuring maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in the global space market.  

The review stresses the need for a regulatory framework that balances national security concerns with commercial access to space, ensuring that UK businesses can compete globally while maintaining strategic security interests​. Overall, it promotes a cohesive regulatory approach that integrates commercial space growth with defence priorities, ensuring a secure and sustainable space environment. 

Civil - Defence Collaboration 

The UK aims to improve coordination between civil and defence space activities, recognising their interconnected nature.  

The UK Space Agency & UK Space Command have (in partnership with the Met Office) established a joint operational programme “National Space Operations Centre” which protects UK space interests through missile warning; monitoring the safety of satellites; fragmentation alerting and monitoring; support to license monitoring; and, tracking orbital incidents, including potential satellite collisions, severe space weather events, and the re-entry of objects into the Earth’s atmosphere.  

The Ministry of Defence and UK Space Agency are working closely on space sustainability, regulatory alignment, and securing spectrum access for both commercial and defence uses.  

National Security and Defence

The UK aims to strengthen its civil and commercial space regulatory framework to support national security interests. 

Space technologies play a critical role in monitoring, supporting, and assuring access to national infrastructure and emergency response (fires, floods, volcanic eruptions), and are fundamental to enabling and supporting military operations, both within the space domain and terrestrially. Satellite Communications, such as SKYNET (managed by UK Strategic Command) are key to provide communications to military forces worldwide.  

There is a push for policies that balance market access with security measures, such as updating Earth Observation Data Security policies and ensuring national security considerations in all licensable space activities.  

The UK is developing its technical levels of knowledge, skills and experience to monitor space threats, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are engaging in the United Nations to prevent an arms race in outer space in all its aspects to manage escalation and misunderstanding on space threats. 

Dual-Use Technologies

The review acknowledges the importance of space technologies serving both civil and defence applications, particularly in areas like Earth observation, satellite communications, and space situational awareness.  

It highlights the role of space-based data in both commercial and security contexts, balancing the promotion of commercial innovation with due regard to national security measures and requirements.  

Space Sustainability & Safety

The UK encourages efforts in space debris mitigation and sustainability through initiatives such as the UNOOSA Long Term Sustainability Guidelines, the IADC space debris mitigation guidelines, and the Dark and Quiet Skies initiative.  

It promotes responsible space activities, including in-orbit servicing, debris removal, and sustainability incentives for space operators.  

Ongoing work includes shaping international space governance through bi- and multi-lateral initiatives, working within UN frameworks, and influencing global space sustainability standards.  

Regulatory Framework & Growth

Proposals include a streamlined licensing process for space missions, improved oversight of launch operations, and security requirements for space systems.  

A diplomacy strategy aims to work with allies to develop best practice that enables emerging technologies, novel missions and innovative applications while discouraging a “race to the bottom” in regulatory standards.  

Export controls 

The Export Control Joint Unit and Department for Business and Trade provide information on export controls for dual-use items, software and technology. Their website provides a step-by-step guide to licensing procedure and other restrictions for export of controlled dual-use items, software and technology, goods for torture and radioactive sources. Also, the ECJU has a guidance page offering training on export control compliance, including courses, seminars, workshops and webinars to help exporters understand their obligations under export control legislation. 

9. Commercial Mechanisms 

The Enterprise Space Category (ESC) 

The Enterprise Space Category (ESC) is a cross-government Category, with an annual spend of £573m, that encompasses all procurement activities required by the UK Government to deliver space related capabilities. This covers satellite communications (SATCOM), Ground Stations, Land and Maritime Terminals, Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA).  

The benefits of the Enterprise Space Category are delivering awareness and coherence in Space sourcing as ONE Government, understanding the value that early engagement with Commercial unlocks, sharing market insights and good practice Category Management journeys, triaging the Space value chain and collaborating on Category and Commercial Strategies, and identifying benefits that contribute to delivery of outcomes, value for money, and social value.  

The Enterprise Space Category will drive the transformation changes in procurement through a number of workstreams to achieve the ESC vision “To achieve acquisition excellence in an evolving environment through innovative and effective procurement decisions”. The ESC workstreams are Category Structure, Income Generation, Cross NATO/Allies Opportunities, Market Insight, Standardised Contract Terms, Commercial Optimisation, Benefit Realisation, and Social Value. 

Industry Engagement and Strategic Partnering - The ESC have established a programme of Industry Round Tables to share ideas and Industry experience. Events are advertised on Contracts Finder and the Defence Sourcing Portal. 

UK Space Agency Commercial Team 

UK Space Agency Commercial activities are part of the Enterprise Space Category (ESC) and support the commercial activity of its teams throughout the procurement lifecycle to enable delivery to meet the agencies aims and objectives. The UK Space Agency Commercial team is responsible for issuing and awarding the UK Space Agency’s funding calls, ensuring they adhere with subsidy control and the grants functional standards.  

The UK Space Agency Commercial team strives to provide excellent and timely commercial support to our business end users, enabling delivery of efficient, compliant and effective procurement activity, grant commissioning and management and industry relationship management. 

While the majority of UK Space Agency opportunities are procurements or grants the UK Space Agency Commercial team is actively exploring other commercial mechanisms to support the delivery of the UK Space Agency’s strategic goals while supporting industry and academia, including Challenge funds and Contracts for Innovation. 

Further information on guidance for suppliers can be found here.  

UK Space Agency Funding Mechanisms 

The UK Space Agency regularly issues grant calls in support of its programmes, facilitating R&D and innovation within the space sector. A grant is a sum of money paid to an individual or organisation for a specific purpose, which allows public bodies to fund activities that support its policy objectives and commitments to the public. 

On 4 January 2023 the UK Subsidy Control Act came into law, replacing the interim agreement to follow the Trade & Co-operation Agreement (TCA).

All UK Space Agency grants must be awarded in compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022, which sets out requirements around the maximum amounts of subsidy that Government bodies can award to enterprises for commercial activity. A subsidy is “where a public authority provides support to an enterprise that gives them an economic advantage, meaning equivalent support could not be obtained on commercial terms”. There are caps on the amount of subsidy that can be given to companies to avoid Government having a distortive impact on the market.   

The UK Space Agency publishes its grant calls on Find a Grant and its own gov.uk page.

The Procurement Act 2023 

See a short guide for suppliers.

From 24 February 2025, the rules that shape how public bodies buy goods and services have changed. The Procurement Act 2023 (the Act) aims to improve and streamline the way procurement is done and benefit prospective suppliers of all sizes, particularly small businesses, start-ups and social enterprises.  

If your business supplies goods, works or services to organisations in the public or utility sectors – or hopes to do so in the future – you need to know about the changes. Also, if your business supplies goods, works or services to organisations in the public sector – or hopes to do so in the future – it is recommended to stay informed on these changes.  

Key benefits for suppliers include more standardisation and streamlining of procurement processes - but there are also additional benefits in the Act such as requiring better oversight of procurement decisions and strengthening payment terms. 

Additional information can be found on the Buyers and Supplier page and all future adverts will be included on the ‘Find a Tender’ central digital platform.  Also, this form can be used to sign-up link for regular updates. 

For further information, go-live webinars, and the ‘How to’ videos, please access the Procurement Act 2023: A short guide for supplier’s page and the Transforming Public Procurement page.

Organisations wanting to become suppliers to the UK Space Agency should regularly check on the central digital platform for opportunities. The UK Space Agency regularly uses Frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPSs) to source its requirements, organisations wishing to get onto those should engage with Crown Commercial Service (CCS). Common routes to market are RM6235 - Space-Enabled and Geospatial Services and RM6126 - Research & Insights.

10. Requirements for National Security 

Security clearances can be essential for working in the defence and security sectors, ensuring that personnel handling and accessing sensitive information do not pose a risk to national security. The levels of security clearance begin with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), which involves basic checks and is mandatory for all civil servants and those handling government assets. Higher levels of clearance, such as Security Check (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV), will require a government sponsor. Obtaining and maintaining these clearances can incur financial and time costs for companies where specific requirements must be met, including record-keeping and adherence to relevant guidance. It is important for all staff to understand their individual responsibilities associated with holding security clearance. 

This section will provide information on these responsibilities, and the UK Space Agency Security team can provide further support and guidance. Also, the UK Space Agency Security & Resilience team has an extranet with industry resources. Please register for further information.

Security vetting/clearance 

Baseline Personnel Security Standard  

Baseline Personnel Security Standard Checks should be undertaken for all staff. 

For this you need to undertake checks on:

• identity (ID)

• right to work (RTW) in the UK

• employment history ( taking up references)

• criminal record (unspent convictions). This can be done here

You do not need anyone to sponsor this, you just need to keep secure records of the checks undertaken and your approval or denial. 

Requirement for higher (i.e. SC/DV) vetting 

A UK company is likely to only need security clearance if they are working with/contracted to a Government Department where this is a requirement.  

If a UK “space” related company is doing work for UK Space Agency (i.e. has a contract with the UK Space Agency) and the Agency states that a vetting is required, then the Agency will be the Contracting Authority and will sponsor the individuals requiring clearance.  

If the Contracting Authority is Ministry of Defence or somewhere else in His Majesty’s Government (HMG), then the responsible Government department/agency would need to act as the sponsor, not the UK Space Agency.  

If a UK company needs vetting in order to work with a foreign Government or foreign company (i.e. it is a UK company with a contract that is entirely international in nature, so HMG are in no way the Contracting Authority or entity), then these fall to Cabinet Office to resolve. Then they need to apply to Cabinet Office who will consider their request if it supports/progresses UK industry.  

Security cleared staff may be required in advance of bidding for a government contract in some cases (such as defence work).  In these cases, trade bodies may be able to act as a sponsor.  

Hiring students 

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects. 

The subjects and research areas are those where knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), or their means of delivery. Satellites that are either capable of dual use or could be in the future, are included in the former category. 

Researchers and students in these sensitive subjects must apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before they can study or start research in the UK. 

Students and researchers who are nationals of EU countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America do not need an ATAS certificate. 

The US run a similar counter proliferation vetting as our Academic Technology Approval Scheme. 

Business partners 

Any decision to partner or accept investment should be well-informed by an awareness of the security risks, whether they are from the UK or overseas. The parties that you choose to do business with may not follow the same rule of law or ways of engaging - further information can be found here. You will need to ensure you comply with the National Security and Investment Act.  

If you remain concerned about links to any of the above countries and want to continue considering the partnership, please contact resilience@ukspaceagency.gov.uk for advice and help. 

Security Frameworks  

The UK Space Agency (Space Security & Resilience Team) are working to develop security frameworks which can be adopted by industry and will provide a recognition that suppliers, manufacturers and owners/operators of space-domain services are secure and resilient to external threats. As space services are not nationally bound, it is important that these frameworks are recognised and mutually accepted internationally, so the UK Space Agency is working on how to develop these frameworks with international partners, as well as with industry.  The end goal of this work will be recognised standards, assessment criteria and accreditation leading to a security certification.  The first framework will focus on cyber security for ground infrastructure.  

Investment Security 

The UK Space Agency is responsible for undertaking all reviews of significant foreign investments or takeover proposals for UK registered space companies through the National Security and Investments Act 2021.  The Act gives the government powers to scrutinise and intervene in business transactions, such as takeovers, to protect national security, while providing businesses and investors with the certainty and transparency they need to do business in the UK.  Under the Act, the space sector is classed as one of the 17 defined sensitive areas of the UK economy and approval may be needed from the government before an acquisition can be completed. 

It may be a legal requirement for companies to inform the government of an acquisition – which in this case is called a notifiable acquisition – and failure to do so can result in the acquisition being void and the acquirer can be subject to civil or criminal penalties.

Before proceeding with an acquisition, refer to the guidance here. 

National Security Assessments on License Applications 

As part of the process for assessing a license application through the Space Industry Act (2018) and Outer Space Act (1986), an assessment of the impact on National Security of the UK from the service or system being licensed will be conducted. The lead for this assessment is the Security & Resilience Team within the UK Space Agency. During the license application process, the applicant will be required to complete a series of questionnaires which will give the team information about areas such as the owners, operators, capabilities, data security, etc., so that a cross-Government risk assessment can be completed. If sufficient information is not provided, this will slow the application process down as clarification is sought.

A recommendation will be made to the regulator, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), regarding whether there being no risk to national security and a license can be issued or there being manageable risks and conditions under which the license can be permitted.  In rare cases, if the risk cannot be managed, refusal of the license will be recommended. Guidance and information on the license process can be found on the CAA portal here.

It is recommended that all potential applicants engage with the UK Space Agency’s Security & Resilience team early in the development lifecycle for advice and guidance on the potential risks and what information will be required to provide assurance of mitigations, etc. For information please e-mail resilience@ukspaceagency.gov.uk. 

11. Space Infrastructure 

The UK Space Agency Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) aims to develop R&D infrastructure that enables UK space organisations to accelerate pioneering products and applications critical to the growth of the UK space sector. The UK’s established network of space clusters provides an ideal mechanism to engage with local companies and universities. A detailed map of space sector segmentation in the space capabilities catalogue and location can be accessed using the UK Space Sector Ecosystem Cluster Directory. The UK’s space sector capabilities can be explored in detail on the  Space Industries Investor Launchpad website. 

SCIF has awarded £46 million to 13 companies and academic institutions, as part of a competition to increase the capability, capacity, and connectivity of the UK’s space R&D infrastructure. 

Given the success of the SCIF pilot there is great interest in SCIF2 – and the Space Ecosystem team will be undertaking a deep dive analysis to evaluate the programme, acknowledge insights and feedback to help shape future funding calls to deliver maximal impact for the UK Space sector. Any updates will be published on gov.uk - Announcement of Opportunity: Space Cluster Infrastructure Funding Call - GOV.UK.

12. HMG Front Doors

Organisation	Details	Information	Link
UK Space Agency	UK Space Agency Front Door	The UK Space Agency catalyses investment into the sector, delivers missions and capabilities that meet UK needs, and champions space to investors, customers and the public. Our Contact Us page can tell you how to find more information and how to get in touch with us.	Link
UK Space Agency	Apply for Funding page	This page includes details on open funding opportunities from the UK Space Agency, the space sector, academic, education and community partners	Link
National Space Operations Centre	NSpOC Front Door	The UK National Space Operations Centre has the responsibility for developing and operating the UK’s space surveillance and protection capabilities. It issues contracts on behalf of the organisation for joint purposes but it can also issue contracts for the individual partners (e.g. UK Space Agency).	Link
Dstl	Dstl guidance page	This page provides guidance on the many ways for suppliers to work with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). This page also explains how to become a supplier and where to find the opportunities that are available.	Link
DASA	DASA online submission service	The DASA online submission service is DASA’s proposal submission service. To access DASA’s services and apply for funding, you must have an account. DASA recommend you use a Google Chrome browser when accessing the online submission service	Link
Department of Business and Trade (DBT)	Expand your Business tool	The page provides guidance and insights to help you set up and grow your business in the UK by signing up to the Expand your Business tool.	Link

The Unlocking Space team is currently liaising with Defence Digital and DE&S to provide information on the Defence Digital Commercial Front Door and the DE&S Front Door as part of the future iterations of the webpage.

13. Other useful information  

13.1 GovBridge learning programme 

The Unlocking Space for Government - Civil (USG - C) and the Unlocking Space for Government – Defence (USG - D) programmes delivered a learning programme named ‘GovBridge’ in financial year 2024/25 as part of the UK Space Agency Accelerator. The initiative provided focused support for entrepreneurs, to educate them on how to sell into government (contracts, not grants), in order to drive up the adoption of space tech across the public sector and make the UK government a viable anchor customer for space innovation. The initiative had two cohorts, ‘General’ & ‘Defence’, and the key resources from the two learning modules will be included on the page in the upcoming months. 

13.2 Government frameworks and portals 

Why sign up for portals and keep an eye on them?   

They are a window into defence procurement priorities, which can help the sector ensure that their products are aligned to government priorities. 

They provide open information on existing opportunities, as well as on which opportunities are more suitable for start-ups or sub-contracts. 

Defence portals: 

Main defence sourcing portal: www.contracts.mod.uk.  

DSTL centric portal for contract research: https://rcloud.dstl.gov.uk/  

Serapis framework: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dstl-science-and-technology-procurement-frameworks/serapis-framework   

13.3 Other useful links 

Understanding security

SME guide to working with government

Space Enterprise Community  

DE&S guidance on how to work with defence 

14. Provide feedback & Engage with us 

If there are any suggestions for additional information to be included on the webpage and to contact the UK Space Agency Unlocking Space Programme, please use the email address unlockingspace@ukspaceagency.gov.uk. Also, to contact UK Space Command please use the email address UKSpaceCmd-IndustryLiaison@mod.gov.uk.