Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 February 2024 to Question 14272 on Defence: Space Technology, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the Skynet secure satellite communications programme continues to provide a significant boost to the UK space sector.

The SKYNET secure satellite communications programme, which is investing £5 billion over the next decade, provides a significant boost to the industry through direct investment into the sector and use of social value provisions in contracts.

SKYNET provides long-term investment in the UK space sector. This includes promoting the development of new technology and use of Small and Medium Enterprises.

Under SKYNET contracts, the Prime contractor is required to demonstrate social value. This includes measures such as investment into graduate or apprenticeship schemes. This will increasingly be part of our approach to major contracts for the space sector in support of our national policy ambitions under the recently-published Space Industrial Plan.

As we move towards the next generation of SKYNET, the investment in this programme will continue to help develop the thriving UK space sector.