UK Space Agency CEO Dr Paul Bate and astronaut in training Professor Suzie Imber will this week join global leaders from government, business, aerospace and defence to discuss the biggest challenges for the space industry and opportunities for humanity at Space-Comm Expo, Farnborough, 6-7 March.
Space-Comm Expo has more than 4,000 attendees, 200 exhibitors and 100 international speakers, exploring major issues created by a new global space race including commercialisation, collaboration, exploration, security, sustainability, investment and regulation.
The event organised by Hub Exhibitions over the past four years has mirrored the rapid growth in the global space industry and is now expanding to a series of Space-Comm Expo events at London ExCeL, Glasgow SEC and the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “Space-Comm Expo 2024 will bring people together from across business, academia and government, science, innovation and technology, to showcase the wealth of opportunities available within the space sector and beyond. We are looking forward to welcoming attendees from across the UK and internationally, forging new collaborations and championing the benefits of space.”
Space-Comm Expo attendees this year will include leaders from UK Space Agency, Departments of Trade and Transport, Ministry of Defence and UK Space Command, as well as Government Ministers and visiting leaders from NASA, the European Space Agency, NATO and international delegations. Suzie Imber, Professor of Space Physics, explorer and astronaut in training is one of the keynote speakers including Ministers, CEOs and CTOs from across the space industry.
The UK space industry is worth an estimated £17.5 bn to the economy with 1,590 organisations employing 48,800 people with government ambitions to grow the UK’s share of the global space economy from 6.5% to 10% by 2030.
2024 is likely to be a pivotal year for the industry with the UK aiming to be the launchpad for Europe from SaxaVord and Sutherland Spaceports in Scotland. Launch providers Rocket Factory Augsburg, HyImpulse, Lockheed Martin, Skyrora and Orbex will all be attending Space-Comm Expo. Other hot topics are likely to include plans for a new UK commercial astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), earth observation to combat climate change, the threat of cyber-attacks to satellites, microgravity experiments for health benefits, the challenge of space debris, AI robotic spacecraft and nuclear fusion to power space exploration.
Space-Comm Expo is supported by all the key associations and bodies including the UK Space Agency, UK Space, Innovate UK KTN and industry partners include Airbus, BAE Systems, InSpace Missions, Kongsberg NanoAvionics, Lockheed Martin, MOOG, NSI-MI Technologies and Rolls-Royce.
Space-Comm Expo will next year move to ExCeL London in 11-12 Mar with plans to attract even greater numbers. Space-Comm Expo Scotland will take place at the SEC Glasgow 11-12 Sep and Space-Comm Expo Dubai at the World Trade Centre 27-29 May 2025.
Elizabeth Seward, Head of Space Strategy & Future Business, BAE Systems said, “Space-Comm Expo has been brilliant for us. We are delighted to be the headline sponsor and we are so excited to see the huge growth in the number of attendees over 60% more, which is amazing.”
Ben Stern, Key Account Manager, Surrey Satellite Technology said, “Surrey Satellites love being at Space-Comm Expo because it’s such a busy event for the space community. There are so many people here from the top level in government all the way through the supply chain and that makes it an extremely popular event.”
Rob Long, President and CEO, Space Florida said, “Attending the Space-Comm Expo in the UK underscores our commitment to leading the advancement of space transportation infrastructure development globally. It is through forums like the Space-Comm Expo that we can collectively address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead. Our participation is not just about showcasing what Florida has to offer; it’s helping us lead in a global dialogue that will shape the future of aerospace commerce, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous path forward.”
Martin Soltau, Co-CEO, Space Solar said, “Space-Comm is an unmissable event, and I am delighted to be joining a panel discussion of the circular economy in the space sector. Space-Comm is the ideal forum to meet partners who are interested to join us on our journey to develop Space Based Solar Power, an exciting technology delivering clean affordable baseload energy for all nations.”
