The British government has announced the closure of the UK Space Agency (UKSA). This will be done as part of cost-cutting measures.
The UK Space Agency was founded in 2010. It took control of the allocation of all government spending on space exploration, as well as international cooperation in the space sector.
During its existence, UKSA has provided British astronaut Tim Peake with a flight to the ISS and has also been involved in developing the UK’s capabilities for launching small payloads into space from Scotland. As of 2025, the space sector was generating around £18.6 billion per year and providing employment for 55,000 people across the country.
However, UKSA is now ceasing to exist as an independent organization. In April 2026, it will be absorbed into the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Technology. The decision was made as part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s policy to reduce government spending. According to the British government, the liquidation of UKSA will save money, reduce duplication of functions, and ensure oversight by the ministry.
Space Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “The introduction of internal mechanisms means that we will be able to achieve much greater integration and focus on everything we do, while retaining the scientific expertise and enormous ambitions of the sector.”
Many scientists have already criticized this decision, fearing that it will lead to increased bureaucracy and a loss of the dynamic, proactive approach that has proved so successful for British space science and industry. According to Dr. Simeon Barber of the Open University, the elimination of UKSA is a step backward that will lead to a “loss of focus” for the British space sector.
According to BBC
