Overview

• The UK Space Agency will become a unit within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, retaining its name and staffed by officials from both bodies.
• Ministers say the move will cut duplication, reduce bureaucracy and place space policy under clearer ministerial oversight.
• The government published industry-backed proposals to update space regulation, including a report on Rendezvous and Proximity Operations developed with Astroscale, ClearSpace, D‑Orbit and the Civil Aviation Authority.
• Officials highlight a projected £2.7 billion market for in‑orbit servicing by 2031 and suggest UK firms could secure roughly a quarter with supportive policy.
• Reaction is mixed, with Space Minister Chris Bryant and UKSA chief Paul Bate praising integration, as scientists and startups such as Magdrive warn about loss of focus and call for clearer implementation plans.