LONDON — The United Kingdom has unveiled a new national space strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s security in orbit while using the space sector to support economic growth, industrial development and improved connectivity.

The government says the strategy brings its space investment and activities under a single framework, backed by £7.8 billion through 2030. The plan focuses on four major areas: satellite communications, in-orbit servicing and manufacturing, awareness of objects and threats in space, and reliable access to space.

A major part of the strategy is the development of a more resilient national satellite communications system. The government says this will strengthen Britain’s defence capabilities while also supporting everyday services such as mobile connectivity and communications in areas where conventional networks can be weaker.

The strategy includes £149 million for the European Space Agency’s Vigil mission and £85 million for the National Space Operations Centre. These investments are intended to improve Britain’s ability to monitor satellites, orbital debris, hostile activity and solar storms that could disrupt important infrastructure.

Defence is another central element. The government has allocated £880 million toward space-control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Officials say these systems will help Britain detect potential threats to satellites and monitor military activity from orbit.

Another £2.8 billion is earmarked for connectivity programmes, including low-Earth-orbit communications and the UK’s SKYNET defence communications programme. The government says these capabilities will help keep British armed forces connected while also supporting wider civilian connectivity.

The strategy also seeks to expand Britain’s commercial space industry. The government estimates that the country’s space sector is already worth £18.6 billion and supports more than 55,000 skilled jobs, with further investment intended to encourage companies and highly skilled employment.

A further £40 million will support technologies for servicing, assembling and manufacturing in orbit. Such technology could eventually allow satellites to be repaired or maintained in space and could help remove dangerous objects from orbit.

The government is also allocating funding for rocket programmes, space science, exploration and improved space-weather forecasting. The strategy includes support for Britain’s Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover and funding connected with launch infrastructure in Scotland.

The new policy replaces the United Kingdom’s previous National Space Strategy, published in 2021. Alongside the strategy, the government says it is changing space regulations to reduce unnecessary costs and encourage investment in emerging technologies.

The announcement comes as governments increasingly view space not only as a scientific and commercial frontier but also as an important area of national security. Britain’s latest plan reflects that changing environment by linking defence requirements with industrial policy, scientific research and civilian technology.