FST JOURNAL

Summary:

• The space sector is a vibrant community and one that is open to fresh ideas
• Government-funded space science often embraces risks, strive for the seemingly impossible and tackle challenges that are difficult to measure or quantify
• We need to do a better job of showcasing the work of the UK Space Agency
• We are at an inflection point in the space sector and one of the most pressing challenges we need to address is the skills gap
• ‘Euclid’ is set to make significant strides in our understanding of dark energy and is an excellent example of a mission done well that catches the public’s attention.

This is a summary of Professor Amara’s talk and as such, is written in the third person.

Professor Amara believes that space has become an integral part of our culture. He has collaborated with dedicated civil servants who are working to implement outstanding programmes, and with strong leadership in Europe to coordinate our efforts. He says that one of the most rewarding aspects is how receptive the space sector is to fresh ideas.

When discussing science and exploration programmes, he says that there is something remarkable about government-funded space science. These projects often strive for the seemingly impossible, tackling challenges that are difficult to measure or quantify, with risks that might feel overwhelming. By embracing these risks, we can achieve groundbreaking discoveries and foster innovation, which, can then be commercialised by the industry to enhance efficiency. Indeed, space science is at the forefront of innovation. Professor Amara says that while NASA often steals the spotlight, the amazing work here in the UK also deserves recognition. However, we need to do a better job of showcasing our achievements. A successful science programme opens pathways for new discoveries, and Euclid is on track to do this, alongside many other missions. If executed effectively, these programmes can inspire and engage the public.

Bringing the public along

Interestingly, while only a small percentage—about 8%—is dedicated to the science component, it is often the science that captures public interest and imagination more than other aspects of the programme. Professor Amara says that this underscores how a well-conceived space initiative can both unlock cosmic mysteries and drive economic progress. At its core, a successful programme pioneers new findings. However, given the scale of these initiatives, we must ensure that we take the public along for the journey, engaging their imagination with significant, relatable questions. From a UK standpoint, we must leverage our existing strengths to establish ourselves as leaders in future missions, while also utilising this participation to cultivate new capabilities. In the UK, our involvement in these science programmes has significantly spurred technological advancement. It is crucial to recognise that the innovators behind these technologies are our neighbours; they are part of our culture and ecosystem, not just distant experts working for NASA. Professor Amara stresses that we need to communicate this narrative more effectively.

A UK inflection point

The space sector is a massive, ever-growing field expected to reach a trillion dollars by 2030. In the UK, we have consistently seen growth of around 8% across all relevant metrics—whether it be revenue, job creation, or the number of firms—regardless of wider economic fluctuations. We are facing an inflection point. The pressing question is how committed we are to the future of our space sector. One of the most pressing challenges we face is the skills gap. Many companies voice this problem, and it is puzzling because so many children are fascinated by space and dinosaurs. So how did we miss the mark? Professor Amara says that educators and career advisors are often surprised to learn about the innovative work happening right in their communities, as they tend to assume it is all happening with experts in the US.

Focusing on the astrophysics of the universe, the UK has pioneered imaging technology. The detectors that Gaia flew, the biggest digital camera ever launched into space, were built here in the UK and led us to Euclid, which produces the most precise wide-field images out there, also a result of UK technology. Through earlier missions like Planck and Herschel, Professor Amara says that we developed sensors that measure minute temperature changes, which have allowed us to create thermal imaging cameras that are among the best in the world. Additionally, advancements in cryogenics, drag-free flight technology, and laser LIDAR have all been driven by British innovation. While we have world-leading scientists across various domains, such as Jupiter, Mars, galaxies, the Milky Way, and dark energy, one of our challenges lies in our ability to collaborate effectively. We must align our efforts and build a united front to enhance the incredible science we conduct.

Professor Amara says that industry also faces issues, including low production volumes of highly complex hardware, making it difficult for companies to invest in commercially viable innovation. Funding cycles that have gaps can create a feast-or-famine scenario, affecting some companies' stability. It is crucial to address these challenges.

Skills and retention

There are straightforward measures we could implement regarding skills and retention, as well as tackling financial pressures and the fragmentation of our ecosystem. Professor Carole Mundell has led significant work on the European Space Agency’s long-term implementation plan, which aims to create a more stable programme landscape with a variety of missions, enabling more participants in the space race.

Better engagement between academia and industry is essential, even though ESA has traditionally positioned itself between scientists and industrial studies. Other countries supplement their ESA efforts with additional programmes, a practice the UK has struggled with in the past. However, the UK Space Agency is taking steps in this direction by initiating new bilateral programmes. Early engagement in missions is vital. If we wait until a mission is ESA-adopted, it becomes challenging to lead, even with skilled scientists and engineers, as projects are usually in their mature stages by then.

Professor Amara looks at the case study of Euclid. One of the key takeaways from this project is the importance of early engagement. At that time, the UK was not particularly strong in this area, so the team ventured to France for initial studies, which ultimately positioned them advantageously. The Euclid team was able to shape the mission concept from the outset, securing leadership and establishing technology transfer. Initially, Euclid was going to be a small mission led by a single country, but it became a groundbreaking mission that could succeed under the ESA's Cosmic Vision programme.

Another lesson learnt was the necessity of being bold and audacious. Although it was believed that only America could lead dark energy missions, the UK Space Agency set out to change that perception and successfully designed a remarkable dark energy mission. They leveraged existing achievements, specifically the expertise built through the Gaia project, and combined that with a strong knowledge of weak gravitational lensing to push the boundaries of European space science. Euclid is set to make significant strides in our understanding of dark energy, with a target to measure the equation of state parameter with 2% precision. This ambitious goal involves thousands of scientists and engineers over a span of a decade and promises to shed light on the universe's expansion and its cosmic origins.

In conclusion, Professor Amara says that a successful experiment must pioneer discoveries, and Euclid meets that criterion. It captures the public's imagination and leverages our existing capabilities while also creating future strengths in data management and processing, an area we need to develop further. The space agency must support the transfer of innovation, especially regarding data, to ensure our academic work translates effectively into industry applications and benefits broader society.