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Why the business of space is everyone’s business
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As of 2026, the UK space industry is a significant and strategic driver of the national economy, contributing over £19 billion in revenue and supporting tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs. Satellite-based services and data underpin roughly 18% of UK GDP, equivalent to approximately £454 billion of the wider economy. And the sector is growing exponentially.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. For the space industry to fully realise its potential it needs more of the right people to understand what’s happening and get involved. People like policy makers, investors, regulators, planners, communicators, lawyers and consultants.
Dr Alice Bunn, the president of UK Space, and her panel of guests, Sam Alden co-CEO of Space Solar, Nick Shave managing director of Astroscale and Anushka Sharma founder of Naaut, discuss the surprising, awe inspiring business of space and make the compelling case for why more companies and investors should get involved.
Contributors:
Host:
Alice Bunn, President of UKspace
Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn
Guests:
Nick Shave, Managing Director of Astroscale
Astroscale: Overview | LinkedIn
Sam Adlen, CEO of Space Solar
Space Solar: Overview | LinkedIn
Anushka Sharma, founder of Naaut
Key topics covered:
Impact of Space on Everyday Life
- Practical Applications
- Environmental Monitoring
- Global Security
Sustainability and Innovation in Orbit
- Space Debris
- Manufacturing in Microgravity
- Space-Based Solar Power
Economic and Regulatory Landscape
- Cost Reduction
- Investment and Finance
- Regulation and Policy
The Future of Space Exploration
- New Platforms
- Academic Contribution
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