The pace of space disruption is accelerating. Make sure your business is not behind the evolution.
More than just rocket launches and astronauts, the space economy is already transforming entire industries and critical infrastructure here on Earth; an advancing ecosystem revealing new opportunities to innovate and grow far beyond what we think we know.
Driven by technological advancements, private sector investment and new government policies, the UK Space Sector has grown by 300% in the past decade and is now worth nearly £17bn per year. This period of rapid transformation offers both opportunities and challenges for businesses across all sectors, as the implications of space recognise no boundaries and touch everyone.
Space tech isn't just for astronauts, it's for you
On episode 3 of The Insight in 15, we tackle a topic that’s out of this world! We’re joined by Neil Rae, Head of Space at KPMG UK, to delve into the world of space tech.
Why space-based technologies matter more than ever
New and evolving space-based technologies are transforming industries, shaping policy and creating opportunities across the economy. Here’s how they’re making an impact:
Risks and challenges in the space sector
As the space industry grows, so do the risks. Organisations operating in this environment must navigate a range of complex and evolving challenges, including:
How KPMG can help
At KPMG UK, our multidisciplinary and diverse team brings together deep expertise, united by a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.
We are well positioned to leverage the expertise and connection into our deep network of partners provided by our global firm, making us leading advisors on international best practice, provision of global market insights, and facilitation of international collaboration. Backed by years of experience, we can offer a different, but highly credible, perspective on the sector’s challenges. We can help you:
Bridging industry and space for limitless opportunities
Explore the connection of industry and space, driving innovation and unlocking new value.
Our space sector capabilities
Space is rapidly transforming, becoming more accessible, affordable, and strategically critical, fuelled by government, private investment, and innovation.
KPMG guides organisations through this dynamic environment, from emerging technologies and infrastructure to complex policy and defence. Our global team advises across all civil, commercial, and security space activities.
Beyond current essentials like GPS, next-generation space technologies are unlocking unprecedented applications, from in-orbit manufacturing to climate resilience.
We help clients capitalise on these advancements, offering strategic insight and expert support for mission design, regulation, funding, and commercialisation.
National space strategy: The UK's 5 key capability areas
Space Domain Awareness
Tracking satellites, debris, and space weather events to safeguard people, assets, and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).
Space Transport
Supporting the UK launch economy – from cost-effective small satellite delivery to the return of spacecraft carrying “made in space” products.
In orbit services and manufacturing
Introduce novel space technologies, such as on-orbit energy provision for terrestrial applications and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) to build and maintain infrastructure in space, reducing impact of industrial activity on Earth’s climate, landscape and biosphere.
Earth Services
Using high-resolution, space-derived data to monitor, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including disaster monitoring and extreme weather.
Defence Capabilities
Enhancing UK Defence through space-enabled technology, including:
• Secure satellite communications
• Space domain awareness systems
• Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
• Space control and coordination capabilities
• Secure satellite communications
• Space domain awareness systems
• Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
• Space control and coordination capabilities
Space Domain Awareness
Tracking satellites, debris, and space weather events to safeguard people, assets, and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).
Space Transport
Supporting the UK launch economy – from cost-effective small satellite delivery to the return of spacecraft carrying “made in space” products.
In orbit services and manufacturing
Introduce novel space technologies, such as on-orbit energy provision for terrestrial applications and rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) to build and maintain infrastructure in space, reducing impact of industrial activity on Earth’s climate, landscape and biosphere.
Earth Services
Using high-resolution, space-derived data to monitor, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including disaster monitoring and extreme weather.
Defence Capabilities
Enhancing UK Defence through space-enabled technology, including:
• Secure satellite communications
• Space domain awareness systems
• Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
• Space control and coordination capabilities
Core Space Domains
Client Impacts
As commercial opportunities in the space sector accelerate, a new generation of high-growth companies is emerging – from satellite communications and geospatial intelligence to private launch services and space data platforms.
This rapidly evolving ecosystem is attracting major interest from venture capital, private equity, and institutional investors – but with high reward comes high complexity.
Navigating this new frontier requires more than ambition – it demands strategic insight, financial discipline, and the right partnerships.
At KPMG UK, we help early-stage and scaling businesses turn space-driven innovation into commercial success. Our team works with space entrepreneurs, investors, and operators to support growth at every stage of the journey, from transformation and risk/strategy advice to core finance and tax services.
Aerospace primes are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of space. As they expand into orbit, these established players bring with them deep expertise in payload delivery, client networks, advanced technologies – and growing demand for commercial partnerships.
In the space economy, collaboration is key. Ride-sharing missions, joint ventures, and shared infrastructure are becoming more common as companies look to reduce cost, pool resources, and build multi-functional.
For KPMG UK, this evolving landscape presents significant opportunities to support aerospace leaders as they grow their space capabilities and form new partnerships across the ecosystem.
Space is becoming a strategic frontier for national power, resilience, and innovation. As space-based technologies advance rapidly, government departments – especially the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and wider national security agencies – must remain at the forefront of both governance and capability development.
The challenge lies in balancing innovation with national interest: protecting critical infrastructure, enabling secure access to space, and ensuring the UK remains a competitive, space-faring nation.
KPMG UK has deep experience working with public sector organisations to translate national space ambitions into real-world outcomes. Notably, we supported the establishment of the UK Space Command within the RAF – helping shape one of the country’s most strategic defence initiatives in recent years.
Our people
