Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support the creation of new jobs in the space sector.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) supports the creation of new jobs in the space sector through major spending on projects such as the SKYNET secure global satellite communications programme, worth £5 billion over ten years, and the ISTARI programme which develops a range of world-leading technology. The contracts from these programmes directly support businesses in the UK to grow and recruit in a globally competitive market. As an example, the MOD's contracts with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd have directly supported around 100 jobs, with many more indirectly. In addition, programmes like SKYNET include requirements for industrial sponsorships, educational schemes and skills development to bring new talent into the industry.