South-East businesses working in the space sector are to receive a boost from a new agreement between UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the Satellite Applications Catapult, based in Didcot.

Rory Pereira, deputy regional director of UKTI, said: “The Memorandum of Understanding that we have signed is a small step for the space industry but a huge step for the South East, which has a significant role to play in helping to meet the UK’s space industry targets.”

Stuart Martin (pictured), chief executive of the Satellite Applications Catapult, said: “Accelerating exports will be vital if we are to grow the UK’s share of the global space sector to 10% over the next two decades.

We are already working with partners in the USA, Europe, Chile and other countries around the world; working with UKTI will help to strengthen these activities and generate new opportunities. This MoU will help both organisations to take the next steps forward in increasing the UK’s export potential for space-related products.”