Member Article

UK Space Agency chief appointed

The UK Space Agency has named its next chief executive as aerospace expert, Dr. David Parker.

After over 20 years of experience in the space sector, Dr. Parker will take up his role with immediate effect.

The UK Space Agency is part of the Department for Business, Skills and Innovation, and is responsible for the country’s civil space programme.

Sustainable growth and the acquisition of scientific knowledge are two key aims of the agency, and the Government says the UK space sector contributed a total turnover of £9.1bn to the economy in 2010/2011.

In November the agency announced a £1.2bn spending package, which will be used to “get ahead in the global race” for space exploration, according to Minister for Science, David Willetts.

Tuesday’s announcement will see a former British Aerospace Space Systems engineer, and ex-head of delegation to the European Space Agency, take the reigns after a “fair and open competition” for the role.

Mr Willetts commented: “I’m delighted to welcome David Parker as the next Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency.

“He has been part of the agency since its creation and most recently played a leading role in securing £1.2 billion of UK investment at the European Space Agency’s Council of Ministers.

“His extensive experience of government and industry will be vital in realising our ambition for the continued growth of the UK space sector.”

Dr. Parker added: “I am extremely proud to accept this position. The last two years have proved what we can accomplish in space through collaboration and targeted investment.

“Britain is working together for a remarkable future in space, and at the UK Space Agency, we are leading the way.”

The Government has set out plans to grow the UK space market through its Space Innovation and Growth Strategy, with a particular aim of capturing 10% of the global market by 2030.

Rob Douglas, chair of the UK Space Agency steering board said: “David has been part of the UK Space Agency since it was founded in 2010, and he understands well the ambitions of the UK space sector.

“I am confident he will be able to balance the scientific, industrial and public sector interests so that we can continue and build on the successes of the last two years.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .