UK welcomes Canadian space sector

A large space sector delegation from Canada has visited the UK to explore new partnerships and seek valuable opportunities to use space data, supported by the UK Space Agency.

More than 20 representatives from the Canadian space industry and government visited the Harwell Space Cluster in Oxfordshire as well as organisations in London, Surrey Research Park and Glasgow’s thriving space sector.

The visit, led by the High Commission of Canada, the Canadian Space Agency, the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Programme and Satellite Canada Innovation Network, builds on the close ties between Canada and the UK and will look at collaborative research and commercial opportunities in the exploitation of space data.

Alice Bunn, international director at the UK Space Agency, said: “It is great to welcome such a large delegation of industry and government representatives from Canada to the UK this week. International collaboration with our closest partners, is a key priority for the UK Space Agency and I hope the Canadian delegation will see the breadth of opportunity and ambition in the UK. I look forward to hearing what prospects can be identified and pursued in the future between the UK and Canadian space sectors.”

Nathalie Dubé, minister-councillor and senior trade commissioner, said: “Canada and the UK both have highly innovative space sectors, dynamic ecosystems for satellite applications and extensive capabilities in digital and artificial intelligence-based technologies.

“This strategic alignment of capability and ambition make this an ideal time to start a conversation about how much more could be achieved if we work together.”