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The UK industry association for space to be known as Ukspace

From 17 July 2006 the United Kingdom Industrial Space Committee (UKISC) is to be known Ukspace.

UKISC was formed in 1975 by sponsoring partners Intellect and SBAC as the UK’s leading Industry Association for Space. Intellect member companies are eligible to apply for membership of the Ukspace.

Dr Nick Veck, Chairman Ukspace said;

“Space is increasing in strategic and economic importance and its impact on our daily lives continues to grow. Space has come of age. Scientific, commercial and environmental applications are shaping our lives, our economies and our public services. These events have provided UKISC with the opportunity to review the way we serve our members, interface with our stakeholders and relate to our potential customers.

UKISC has a successful history of representing our members’ interests. We have continued to evolve, expanding the membership base and continuously looking to increase our impact. However, we have felt for some time that our brand name was dated and have selected a name to reflect the modern image of the industry.

From 17 July we will be known as UKspace; we will have a new look and feel to our industry association, to coincide with the start of the Farnborough International Airshow. The name signifies the inspirational and challenging character of the industry that we represent, as well as the high-technology, skilled and value-adding nature of the sector. We also believe that Ukspace will be more easily recognisable and understood, especially for those less closely associated with the industry. Refreshing the brand is only one step in a process of positive change that we are putting in place. Over the coming weeks we will be consulting our members on a number of changes to the way that UKspace does business, designed to improve our effectiveness in representing our industry’s interests.”

The UK space industry contributes £6.6 billion to GDP, with a direct workforce of 16,200 and supports up to 70,000 jobs. Workers are highly skilled with nearly 60% qualified to at least graduate level. It is one of the most highly productive sectors, with value-added per worker around £134,000 in 2004/5. The world space market is growing by 15% a year and could be worth £1 trillion by 2020. UK punches above its weight and has 7.3% of the world market (11.8% of the downstream market). Space can help government deliver its transport and environment policies. Space inspires young people to study science, can assist the ageing population and contribute to security. Satellites are intrinsically green - they consume little energy during their manufacture and even less during their working life. One transatlantic flight has the same carbon cost as three Ariane 5 launches. Once in orbit, satellites mostly run on solar energy.

For further information contact:
Jennifer Carlton
T 020 7331 2003
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The UK industry association for space to be known as Ukspace