This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Space for Everyone
Space is a key part of everyday life on earth. Find out more about the UK space industry, how space works for us and how you can work in space.
Space for Everyone: The Tour
Are you ready for an out-of-this-world adventure?
The UK Space Agency’s Space For Everyone Tour is took off summer 2023, giving you the chance to learn about the important role of space in our everyday lives as well as the exciting space-related job opportunities for people just like you! There was the chance to take part in a range of hands-on activities to inspire your curiosity and learn about the different jobs people have in the space industry – from engineers to coders to space doctors, artists and everything in between!
Join us on this epic adventure and discover the endless possibilities that space has to offer for people just like you!
The tour was open Thursday to Monday at each location. Space for Everyone was free and open to all, no booking required. Opening hours were as follows:
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:00
Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
Monday: 10:00 – 15:00
UK Space Agency’s Space for Everyone Tour: Online
Join us LIVE on Friday 29th September 2023 from 2pm
Get ready to embark on an out-of-this-world adventure with the UK Space Agency’s Space For Everyone tour online – a captivating broadcast designed for budding space enthusiasts, students and teachers! Hosted by the renowned science educator, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, and the awe-inspiring ESA astronaut, Meganne Christian, you’ll be able to take part in an unforgettable exploration of the cosmos, right from the comfort of your own home.
Delve into the heart of space as we present a stellar line up of interviews and discussions:
- Discover the exciting prospects of launch from the UK from the UK Space Agency and launch provider, Lockheed Martin;
- Dive into the intricacies of satellite construction and the importance of sustainability in space with Astroscale UK, unraveling the UK’s vital role in using space to benefit our people and our planet;
- Immerse yourself in the role of the arts within the space industry with Oxford Space Systems, highlighting the unexpected ways creativity fuels innovation among the stars;
- Understand how satellite data is transforming life on Earth as the World Wide Fund for Nature sheds light on how space technology is used to track marine mammals, showcasing how space technology can be used to help our planet.
But that’s not all! Prepare for an exclusive Q&A session about careers in space with Maggie and Meganne – providing you with a unique opportunity to learn about the diverse roles available in the UK space sector.
So jump aboard and embark on this epic journey with us to explore the boundless opportunities that the space industry has to offer right here in the UK. Don’t miss your chance to uncover your pathway to the stars!
Watch
Press play to watch the video...
Space in the UK
Top five fun facts about the UK space industry:
1
The UK space industry employs 49,000 people across all regions of the country. That's as many people as a small town like Weymouth or Wokingham!
2
There are over 1,500 space-related companies in the UK, which means that there are a lot of people working hard to make cool space stuff happen.
3
The UK government provides around £600m per year in investment to the space industry. That's a lot of money, and it shows how important space is to the country!
4
Did you know that the UK is building its own spaceports for launching rockets and satellites? The first launch from UK soil took place from Spaceport Cornwall in January 2023, and there are more sites across the UK preparing for launch soon. This means that we will be launching rockets and satellites from the UK regularly from as early as 2024.
5
Did you know that the UK is a member of the European Space Agency too? This means we partner with other countries across Europe on exciting international missions and innovative space programmes.
How does space work for you?
Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered what's up there? Well, there are many things in space that are important to our everyday lives, including satellites!
Satellites orbit around the Earth, sending and receiving signals that we use for lots of things. For example, did you know that your phone, and other GPS devices use signals from satellites to figure out where you are? This helps you get directions when you’re driving or walking.
Satellites also help us stay connected with each other. They allow us to make phone calls, send text messages, and use the internet, even in remote areas. Without satellites, it would be much harder to communicate with people who are far away.
But satellites aren’t just for communication. They also help us keep an eye on the Earth. Some satellites can take pictures of the planet from space, which help us study things like weather patterns, changes to the environment, and even how the Earth’s surface is changing over time.
Satellites also play a role in keeping us safe. For example, some satellites are used to detect and track storms, so that people in their path can be warned and take shelter. Others are used to monitor for natural disasters like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, so that we can respond quickly if people need help.
From space, we are able to communicate, navigate, and study our planet.
If you’re a parent, carer or teacher (or if you have adult supervision to do so) download our activity and resource pack to learn more…
Want to work in space?
From astronauts to accountants; engineers to educators; CEOs to coders; storytellers to satellite engineers; photographers to physicists - there really is space for everyone.
The UK has a thriving space industry, made up of lots of different areas. From designing satellites and rockets, to analysing the data that comes from space, there are people working across a wide range of job roles. There are also people who work on the ground, communicating with astronauts and making sure everything is running smoothly.
The industry is expanding its reach beyond just space exploration. For example, the technology developed for space missions can also help with things like healthcare, agriculture, and climate change. This means that there are a lot of different jobs across the UK space industry, making it a hugely exciting and interesting place to work.
Space is also a business – which means there are job roles in space companies that you would find in all other businesses. The scope of the UK space industry is vast and varied, offering many different opportunities for people to get involved in and make a difference.
Check out the wide range of careers that might suit you.
If you’re a parent, carer or teacher (or if you have adult supervision to do so) download our activity and resource pack to learn more…
Are you a rocket rockstar?
Have you seen our rocket in person, or joined our virtual page to learn more about the UK’s space activities? Share with your friends and family.
Press the ‘copy text‘ button below, then paste our snippet on social media. Be sure to tag us!
I’m a #RocketRockstar. I’ve been learning more about the UK space industry and how I can be a part of it - there’s space for everyone!
