UK Space Agency

We set the national direction on space. Part of @biztradegovuk.

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

#BepiColombo is gearing up for its first arrival manoeuvre, kicking off the Mercury Arrival Phase, on 3 September. 🛰️

The spacecraft, carrying UK-built instruments on board, will increase our understanding of the planet's composition, structure, and atmosphere.🌕

[ESA Operations @esaoperations]

#BepiColombo is approaching Mercury 🛰️🌑☀️ And we’re here for it! 🙌

On 3 September, the @esa / @JAXA_en mission will carry out its first arrival manoeuvre, kicking off the Mercury Arrival Phase.

Want to watch live on 3 Sept?

Stay tuned here and on @esascience for more details on 27 August 🗓️

@BepiColombo #Mercury

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

The interim evaluation of the UK's participation in the Copernicus Earth Observation programme is out now. 🛰️

It covers early findings from the first two years since the UK rejoined in 2024. A full evaluation will follow in 2028. 🌍

Read the report: https://t.co/2zp55Y9Xhl

[Arianespace @Arianespace]

🚀 The launch window is set.

The launch window is now confirmed for Ariane 6's next mission, dedicated to the launch of the MTG-I2 satellite.

Liftoff is scheduled for August 27, 2026, from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, within the following window:
- 16:10 – 18:40 (Washington, D.C.)
- 17:10 – 19:40 (Kourou)
- 20:10 – 22:40 (UTC)
- 22:10 – 00:40 (Paris - August 28)

Launching aboard Ariane 6, MTG-I2 will strengthen Europe's next-generation geostationary meteorological satellite system, providing enhanced imagery for the early detection of severe storms, weather forecasting and climate monitoring.

Designated VA270, this mission will be Ariane 6's fourth launch of the year and its first mission to geostationary transfer orbit.

The launch campaign is underway. Stay tuned.

#LaunchingAmbitions #Ariane6 #VA270 #MTGI2
@eumetsat @esa @Thales_Alenia_S @ArianeGroup @CNES #csg

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

Congratulations to everyone receiving their SQA results today! 🎓

Thinking about a career in the UK’s thriving space sector? 🚀

Check out our careers page 👉 https://t.co/SaFJSSCNdm

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

Since 2021, the UK Space Agency Accelerator has supported 289 founders, helped raise £102.2m in investment and created 209 jobs, helping to build the talent pipeline that sovereign capability depends on. 🛰️

Read the report: https://t.co/AdF7O7l4Ue

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

The Habitable Worlds Observatory aims to answer whether we're alone in the universe. 🔭

That's why we're backing UK scientists and engineers to lead the development of one of its core instruments, putting British expertise at the forefront of this landmark mission. 🌌

[Space Park Leicester @SpaceParkLeic]

Could we soon be closer to answering one of humanity's oldest questions?

Researchers @uniofleicester are helping lead development of a core instrument for NASA's future Habitable Worlds Observatory, backed by £3m from @spacegovuk.

https://t.co/orap5PQUCh

#NAM2026 #SpaceScience

[ESA Science @esascience]

🎧 Listen closely... that's a spacecraft swooping by Mercury!

The second episode of our 🎙️ 'Expedition Sound' podcast is here.

Explore the planets of our Solar System, make a stop at planet Mercury and discover the @ESA/ @JAXA_en @BepiColombo mission 👉 https://t.co/qS46929w0h

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

The National Space Innovation Programme's new funding call is open, with £20m available to support the development of innovative space technologies. 🛰️

Have an early-stage idea or a project ready to scale? 💡

Find out more and apply before 21 August 👉 https://t.co/2iU5i8T06o

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

The National Space Operations Centre has released the June report on the threats from space-related hazards. 🌍

In June, there were:

➡️ 53 uncontrolled re-entries
➡️ 1,436 in-space collision warnings
➡️ 304 newly registered objects in orbit.

Read more: https://t.co/v7AQfs3nOo

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

Read more on the UK's involvement in the mission 👉 https://t.co/AYYHhNOzpn

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

ESA Plato has passed its final test and is on track for launch in 2027 to search for Earth-like planets.🪐

The UK Space Agency has invested £25m to support the development and build of Plato, securing a leading role for UK institutions in the mission. 🇬🇧

[European Space Agency @esa]

Ready for launch. ✅

Our exoplanet hunter Plato has just passed its final major spacecraft test. Launching on Ariane 6 in 2027, it will search for Earth-like worlds around Sun-like stars and help us understand how common potentially habitable planets are in our Galaxy.

🔗https://t.co/JIUKf3gkRL

[NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman @NASAAdmin]

Great conversations with our counterparts from the United Kingdom and Germany.

International partnerships remain an important part of advancing science, expanding human exploration, and delivering on ambitious missions.

[Dallas Campbell @dallascampbell]

I’m chatting to them at the Pioneers of Tomorrow stage at 1pm. Bring a packed lunch and your questions!

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

We're recruiting three independent members for the Earth Observation Advisory Committee (EOAC). 🌍

The EOAC advises on key EO policy and strategy from across industry and academia.

Learn more and apply before 14 August. 👉 https://t.co/mepp5scqfG

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

Heading to Farnborough International Airshow? 🚀

Be sure to head to the Space Zone to meet ESA astronaut reserves, John McFall and Meganne Christian at our stand between11:40 am and 12:30 pm today! 🧑‍🚀👩‍🚀 #FIA2026

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

.@USRAedu establishing a formal presence at @SpaceParkLeic is a significant moment for UK space science. ✨

For researchers, students and industry on both sides of the Atlantic, this opens new pathways for collaboration and innovation. 🛰️

[Space Park Leicester @SpaceParkLeic]

We're proud to welcome the @USRAedu to Space Park Leicester as it establishes its new UK corporate entity.

A major step for UK-US collaboration in space research, - creating new opportunities across Europe and beyond.

Read more 👇
https://t.co/V04SMVdGRw
#SpaceParkCommunity

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

The UK Space Agency is inviting suppliers to contribute to studies supporting our research within the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC). 🌍 🛰️

Find out more �� https://t.co/VqMfgD0gvA

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

We recently contributed to the inaugural UK-Swiss Microgravity Biopharma Dialogue, uniting pharma, government, academia & the space sector to tackle barriers to microgravity research & manufacturing. 🛰️ 💊

Read more 👉 https://t.co/sjdlcxnenZ

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

Read more on:

£62m government funding to develop homegrown space tech 👉 https://t.co/lVRhCJSBMg

UK-Florida MoU 👉 https://t.co/vTL7MghHXv

[UK Space Agency @spacegovuk]

It's been a fantastic few days at Farnborough International Airshow, where global space and aviation experts have gathered for this week-long event. 🚀

Hear from our Director, Rebecca Evernden. #FIA2026