The 'Civil Space Strategy' setting out the direction for the UK space sector over the next four years was launched, Tuesday 10th July, at the Farnborough International Airshow. The Strategy sets out the UK Space Agency's framework supporting the growth of the sector over the next four years.

The Civil Space Strategy was formally launched by the Minister for Universities and Science to the international space community, gathered for Space Day at Farnborough. David Willetts discussed the Strategy in his speech to the Space Conference as well as revealing the latest results of the Size and Health of the UK Space Sector.

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, commented in his speech: "The bigger picture, of course, is making sure that space continues to be a key enabler of economic growth - and that's the central goal of the revised Civil space strategy that I am publishing here today.

The document, covering the next four years, focuses on creating new opportunities for industry, bolstering the role of space in the UK's infrastructure and furthering the National Space Technology Programme."

With growth rates of 7.5% over the 2010/2011 period, the space sector is a rare bright light in a -difficult economic climate. The Civil Space Strategy lays out how the UK Space Agency will work with partners both at home and abroad to build capabilities in the years to come.

The strategy emphasizes driving space to generate economic growth in downstream services derived from space, while maintaining excellence in science and the ability to build and operate satellites.

The Minister was joined on stage by the Italian Minister for Education, Universities and Research, Francesco Profumo; the heads of the Italian and Russian Space Agencies, Enrico Saggese and Vladimir Popovkin; and Andy Green Co-Chair of the UK Space Leadership Council. Dr David Williams, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency welcomed the speakers to the stage to discuss the future of space and international collaboration.

The document, which will be published every four years, has been updated to reflect the last two years of achievements since the UK Space Agency was established as an executive body, holding its own budget.

It formalises the work already begun, for example through the National Space Technology Programme which targets investment towards innovation with a commercial goal. The Agency will also continue to pursue new knowledge through the UK's science programme.

This strategy sets the approach the Agency will take in order to meet the ambitious targets for capture 10% of the global space market by 2030.