Space Frontiers 2035: Astro, Planetary & Helio, unveiled this week, sets out a strategic roadmap to guide the UK’s space science agenda to 2035 and beyond. Spearheaded by UK Space Agency Chief Scientist Professor Adam Amara, the program aims to establish the UK as a world leader in astronomy, planetary science and heliophysics.
The initiative comes as the UK government designates space as a key “frontier industry” in its Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan – part of the broader industrial strategy – underlining space science’s growing economic and strategic importance.
Modelled on the respected US Decadal Survey, the UK’s version will be community led and evidence-based, ensuring scientific priorities are defined by broad engagement and rigorous assessment.
“Space Frontiers 2035 is about building a clear, credible and collective vision for the future of UK space science,” Amara said. “We’re bringing the community together to set priorities that will shape our investments and partnerships for the next decade.”
The four key aims of Space Frontiers 2035 include:
1. A unified roadmap for UK space science: By aligning priorities between the UK Space Agency and the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the initiative will create a single national strategy for investing in future missions. This is designed to streamline funding, improve coordination and boost the UK’s impact in global space research.
2. Broad engagement across the scientific community: The program will run national workshops, establish thematic panels and issue open calls for white paper submissions. It also aims to amplify the voices of early-career researchers and under-represented groups to ensure a diverse, inclusive vision for UK space science.
3. Independent assessment of mission feasibility: All proposed mission concepts will be subject to rigorous feasibility studies to ensure they are scientifically sound, technically viable and strategically aligned with national goals. This will safeguard public investment and sharpen the UK’s competitive edge.
4. Evidence-based recommendations to guide investment: The final outcome will be a set of actionable, transparent recommendations that will inform UK funding decisions and shape future involvement in major missions with global partners.
The initiative also positions the UK to lead or co-lead upcoming European Space Agency opportunities, such as the M8, F3, and mini-F missions as well as bilateral projects with NASA, the Canadian Space Agency and JAXA.
More details on how researchers and institutions can get involved will be announced soon. UK Space Frontiers 2035 marks a significant step towards a cohesive, future-ready UK space science program – one shaped by its scientific community and built for international impact.