Space Technology Working Group Panel – Space 🛰️ the $1.8 Trillion Global Opportunity: Opportunities & Challenges for the UK

17th February 2025 from 5:30pm — 8:15pm • Information Technologists' Hall

Join us 17th February 2025 with the Space Technology Working Group Panel as we have an insightful conversation with a unique panel of UK/Global Space industry leaders to present and discuss the exciting opportunities and challenges for the UK Space Industry plus understand how the City and Worshipful Company of Information Technologists can best support this vital industry in line with our Royal Charter.

The global space economy is projected to reach £490 billion by 2030 with an exciting myriad of applications such as communications (mobile/remote/inclusive), disaster mitigation/recovery, defence, semiconductor/drug manufacturing in space … The UK space sector employs 45,100 people and is currently worth over £16.4 billion per year covering rocket, science, satellites to earth terminals and devices .

Guest Speakers:

Julia Balm – Research Associate at the Freeman Air and Space Institute (FASI)

FASI is an initiative of King’s College London dedicated to generating an understanding of air and space power issues in defence and security. Julia’s research focuses on space power theory in the New Space Age, and she utilises interdisciplinary methods to approach the topic through a contemporary lens. Julia is interested in understanding how the needs and motivations of diverse space actors manifest in the strategic prioritisation and formation of national space postures.

Julie Holt-Jones FRAeS – Space Expert, Founder, NED, Board Advisor – SpaceSight

Julie is trusted counsel to international governments, key aerospace organisations and individuals. Extensive relevant experience in the space industry (inc ESA, NASA) with proven expertise in defence, civil, dual use and commercial space programs across Europe, Far East, India, Middle East and US. Julie recently delivered a very successful IET Christmas Lecture – Space the $1.8 Trillion Opportunity!

Pat Mathewson – Space Industry Economist and Head of Business Strategy at Astroscale

Astroscale is the global leader in on-orbit servicing, dedicated to the safe and sustainable development of space by delivering: life extension, in-situ space situational awareness, end-of-life, and active debris removal. These solutions empower satellite operators to reduce risks, increase returns, and achieve mission success while fostering a sustainable space environment. Astroscale spacecraft have been selected for pioneering missions with JAXA, the U.S. Space Force, the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency, and Eutelsat OneWeb.

Rob Desborough – General Partner at Seraphim Space (the world’s leading specialist investor in SpaceTech) and CEO/Co-founder Seraphim Space Accelerator.

Rob has track record of investing in and supporting more than 100 SpaceTech companies globally that have IPO’d on Nasdaq, NYSE and NIKKEI for in excess of $bn. Seraphim’s first space fund is a top decile performer across PE/VC (vintage 2016). Rob is also the CEO and Co-Founder of Seraphim Space Accelerator, the largest Space focused accelerator globally for SpaceTech startups, powered by smart capital from leading Space corporates and agencies.

The global accelerator is now operating across hubs in San Francisco, London and Singapore. Since launch in 2018, alumni have raised over $500 m in seed investment with a 97% success rate and 85% of startups closing funding 12 months post.

Rob’s mission is to accelerate the growth and innovation of the new Space economy!

BOOKING

There is a £20 inc. VAT – any surplus will go towards WCIT Charity. Online attendees invited to make a donation to the WCIT Charity

Zoom link will be provided in confirmation email.