Plans to strengthen Britain’s reputation as a “world-class space nation” have been laid out by the UK Government in the newly-published National Space Strategy.

The strategy sets out the long-term vision for how the UK can establish itself as an attractive and innovative space economy on the world stage, according to the UK Government.

Plans aim to “empower” British space firms across the UK to “innovate and grow” by unlocking private finance while helping the UK to become a leader in international space research.

The strategy combines the UK Government’s civil and defence space activities to ensure an “integrated approach” to fighting hostile forces and international threats such as cyberattacks and anti-satellite missiles, while protecting UK interests.

It also sets out how the government will build on the UK’s strengths in space including satellite manufacturing and communications, while working with British companies to further develop space technologies.

The strategy has four “pillars” – which include unlocking growth, collaborating internationally, positioning of the UK as a science and tech superpower and development of space capabilities and services.

Commenting on the new strategy, Science and Innovation Minister George Freeman said: “As we enter an exciting new space age, we have bold ambitions for the UK to be at the vanguard of this industry in our role as a science superpower – whether it’s launching the first satellite from British soil, or leading major international space missions to help combat climate change.

“Today’s National Space Strategy sets out our vision for ensuring that our thriving space sector lifts off for the long term. It will put rocket boosters under the UK’s most innovative space businesses, ensuring they can unlock private capital and benefit our home-grown space expertise.

“Above all, by integrating our commercial and military space activities, we will use space to protect British interests abroad and on home soil, establishing the UK as one of the most attractive and innovative space economies in the world.”

The UK already has a strong space sector, which employs more than 45,000 people, such as space scientists and researchers, engineers and satellite manufacturers. It is also a vital part of the UK economy, worth over £16bn per year

The National Space Strategy aims to support British firms, with data indicating that the global space economy will grow from an estimated £270bn in 2019 to £490bn by 2030.

Additionally, the strategy also commits to the delivery of the UK’s first Defence Space Portfolio which will see investment of an additional £1.4bn for development of new capabilities; more than the £5bn already committed to enhance the military’s satellite communications.

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Defence Secretary Ben Wallace added: “The ability to operate in space is fundamental to the success of our Armed Forces but also in maintaining civilian, commercial and economic activity. We launched UK Space Command this year for this very purpose.

“Collaboration with academic and industry partners ensures we progress research and development needed to stay at the forefront of pioneering technology and ahead of our adversaries.

“The new National Space Strategy builds on our commitment to spend more than £6bn over the next 10 years to enhance our space capabilities, support vital skills and expertise whilst strengthening the UK’s security at home and overseas.”

Scotland will likely be a strong part of the UK’s space plans going forward, with several innovative firms already making gains in space technology and the Boost! Initative providing funding for future projects.

The country is currently home to several spaceport sites, with UK Government plans to locate five out of seven announced future UK spaceport projects in Scotland. Proposed locations include the Western Isles, Glasgow, Machrihanish, Sutherland and Shetland.

Just last week, the spaceport development at Glasgow Prestwick Airport announced the securing of launch partner ‘air launch’ company Astraius alongside South Ayrshire Council. The deal will allow the spaceport to launch rockets carrying small satellites from high altitude.