UK Space Agency to join the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology by April 2026

According to the UK Government, people and businesses across the UK will benefit from new changes that will see the UK Space Agency become part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) – cutting duplication, reducing bureaucracy, and putting public accountability at the heart of decision-making.

In a major step to boost support for the UK’s space sector, the change will bring together the people who shape space policy and those who deliver it. This will cut any duplication that exists and ensure decisions are made with clear ministerial oversight.

Taking place by April 2026, the new unit will keep the UK Space Agency (UKSA) name and brand and will be staffed by experts from both organisations. This will drive up efficiency in line with the government’s Plan for Change, cutting red tape and making Whitehall more agile.

However, not everybody is convinced that this is the right move. The UK Space Agency has always had a dynamic and proactive approach which has provided a very real driving force for the UK's space industry. Now, at a time, when people in the UK have little faith in government departments, moving the UK Space Agency to a more bureaucratic, less-focussed approach seems like a backward step.

The importance of space cannot be underestimated

The UK Space Agency was founded in 2010 and currently operates as an executive agency of DSIT. It catalysed investment and revenue of at least £2.2 billion for the UK space sector in 2024/2025. According to today's announcment DSIT and the Agency will continue to work closely together over the coming months to support the UK space sector and ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements. Further practical details on the merger are said to be announced in due course.

According to Space Minister, Sir Chris Bryant: "Bringing things in house means we can bring much greater integration and focus to everything we are doing while maintaining the scientific expertise and the immense ambition of the sector."

Looking forward - what are going to be the impacts on innovation, speed of delivery and international collaboration? Only time will tell whether this move is the right one.