Justin Meets The Stars Of Swindon-Based UK Space Agency

Local MP Justin Tomlinson paid an exciting visit to the UK Space Agency last week - a site which many people don’t realise is based in Swindon at Polaris House.

The Space Agency are responsible for all strategic decisions on the UK civil space programme as well as providing a voice for UK space ambitions. Justin met with CEO, Graham Turnock as well as other members of staff who are part of the 120 person team at Polaris House, a team which has grown from just 20 people when Justin first visited the agency.

The UK space and satellite industry is worth an estimated £13.7 billion to the UK economy and contributes a 6.5% share of the worlds global space economy. The aim is to reach 10% by 2030 as the sector continues to create jobs and growth for our economy.

The Agency plays a huge role in the Government's Industrial Strategy and is vital for connecting different sectors and industries including energy, finance, health, telecoms and transport; playing a huge role in contributing to major infrastructure investment as well as key climate change indicators.

Justin discussed a range of issues with the Agency team covering the implications of Brexit, contributions to the UK economy, creating jobs, the study of STEM subjects and even the possibility of life on Mars!

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Many people don’t realise that Swindon is the home of the UK Space Agency and therefore at the centre of this incredibly important hub which provides jobs and growth to the UK economy. Everybody knows the work of Tim Peake and I was keen to discuss how we can continue to draw inspiration from Tim and others at the Agency in order to engage the next generation of astronauts! We also discussed the UK Space Sector’s future growth plans as well as the other roles the agency plays involving satellites and working with global organisations on climate change right down to local authorities with their bin collections!”