The UK Space Agency has published the Civil Space Strategy 2012-2016, setting out the UK's priorities in space in terms of the Innovation & Growth Strategy (IGS).

Excerpt: New areas are likely to include the growth of:

• international telecommunications and navigation services and applications;
• provision of information systems to support carbon trading;
• systems for space surveillance to alert us to natural and man-made hazards which threaten critical space infrastructure;
• innovative launch systems; services to support space exploration; and space tourism.

Countries which recognise these new markets and invest early will reap the rewards.
Working with its partners at home and abroad, the UK Space Agency will:

• assist industry to build the new markets in line with the Government’s Growth Review objectives;
• identify, and invest in, strategic opportunities to grow the UK’s industrial capabilities and
  economic impact;
• carry out horizon-scanning activities with industry and researchers to identify emerging opportunities;
• invest in programmes that demonstrate new services;
• work with industry, the Technology Strategy Board, the European Commission and ESA to translate investment into down-to-Earth applications.

By bringing together industry, academia and government facilities, the Harwell Space Cluster (which includes the ESA Harwell centre, the International Space Innovation Centre and a space Business Incubator) will be a vital tool for delivering growth through new opportunities.