{"id":40501,"date":"2026-05-02T12:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T11:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/?post_type=opinion&#038;p=40501"},"modified":"2026-05-01T10:17:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T09:17:10","slug":"space-uk-commercial-risk-opinion","status":"publish","type":"opinion","link":"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/opinion\/space-uk-commercial-risk-opinion\/","title":{"rendered":"Opinion: The UK leads in space science, so why is it falling behind commercially?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Phil Merchant is a Chartered UK and European Patent Attorney, and Principal and Space Technology Team Lead at Marks &amp; Clerk. With a background in condensed matter physics, he advises clients from start-ups to global organisations on patent strategy across aerospace, AI and quantum technologies, with a particular focus on the space sector.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-6-xl-font-size\">Impact in orbit and beyond: the breadth of value of space technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The space sector is going through an exciting period of development and innovation. It is cheaper than ever to put mass into orbit, a record number of satellites are orbiting our planet, <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/nasa-advances-plans-for-sustained-lunar-exploration\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"19407\">the human race is returning to the moon<\/a><\/span><\/strong>, and innovative technologies are being developed every day to tackle problems relating to climate change, connectivity and defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, the space market is attracting record levels of investment, from both the public and private sectors. While most of the investment continues to be sourced from the public sector (the <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/space-economy.esa.int\/documents\/tJMabTj61KkdGVOtF6SKw6wGSxicen6ajUWamCG3.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ESA<\/a><\/span><\/strong> reported that 2024 worldwide public investment in space grew by 9% to \u20ac122 billion), private sector investment is significant and rising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Satellite-over-the-UK-in-space-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"Satellite over the UK in space\" class=\"wp-image-40507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Satellite-over-the-UK-in-space-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Satellite-over-the-UK-in-space-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Satellite-over-the-UK-in-space-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Satellite-over-the-UK-in-space-1920x1080.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Satellite-over-the-UK-in-space-640x360.jpeg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: UK Government<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2024, it reached \u20ac7 billion (growing by 20% on the previous year), and figures for 2025 look similarly buoyant; data from <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/seraphim.vc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Seraphim-Index-Q4-2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seraphim space<\/a><\/span><\/strong> estimated $12.4 billion in private sector investment across the year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These recent 2025 figures surpass the previous peak in 2021 and mark a full recovery from what appears to be a temporary downturn in 2022. This increase in investment is undoubtedly linked not only to the immense benefit the sector provides our everyday lives, but also to the promise of the sector in the coming decades \u2013 the space sector is projected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2035.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"flex flex-wrap items-center justify-start -mx-2 mt-6\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/esa-cluster-satellites-falcon-900-mission-exclusive\/\"  class=\"btn-ocean  mx-2 my-2  flex items-center flex-row \">\n                                        <span class=\"sr-only\">Also read: Inside ESA\u2019s Falcon 900 mission to witness the final descent of the Cluster satellites<\/span>\n                    <span>Also read: Inside ESA\u2019s Falcon 900 mission to witness the final descent of the Cluster satellites<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-6-xl-font-size\">Why space technology matters more than ever to the global economy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this potential may not be immediately apparent to someone with only passing familiarity with the sector. To many, the meaning of the word \u2018space\u2019 does not fully reflect its true value to our economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ukspace.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Inmarsat_Value_of_Space_Report_FINAL.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recent polling<\/a><\/span><\/strong>, while the public do clearly associate \u2018space\u2019 with \u201cgoing to the moon\/mars\u201d (37%) and \u201csatellites\u201d (46%), they are more likely to think of \u201cStar Wars\u201d (10%) and \u201cAliens\u201d (21%) than \u201cBroadcasting and television\u201d (only 3%) or \u201ccommunications and connectivity\u201d (8%). This is in direct contrast to some of the most important contributions space makes to the economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Satellite-launch-UK.jpeg\" alt=\"Satellite launch UK\" class=\"wp-image-40505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Satellite-launch-UK.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Satellite-launch-UK-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Satellite-launch-UK-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: UK Government<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While in the initial years of the space age, space technology did indeed focus on bigger and more powerful rockets and achieving ever more impressive milestones in human spaceflight, the main utility of the modern space sector now extends far beyond these applications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The development of new rocketry is, of course, essential, and the human spaceflight market is anticipated to significantly grow by 2030, but it is actually the quiet \u2018hidden utility\u2019 of space-based technologies that contributes the vast majority of value to the space economy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The space technology initially developed for national security and scientific aims of the Cold War has, over the last 80 years, expanded beyond this purpose and quietly established a foundation of sophisticated and essential technology.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"flex flex-wrap items-center justify-start -mx-2 mt-6\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/aurora-avionics-reusable-spacecraft-europe-phoneix-atmos-space\/\"  class=\"btn-ocean  mx-2 my-2  flex items-center flex-row \">\n                                        <span class=\"sr-only\">Also read: Scottish startup Aurora Avionics joins Europe\u2019s PHOENIX reusable spacecraft programme<\/span>\n                    <span>Also read: Scottish startup Aurora Avionics joins Europe\u2019s PHOENIX reusable spacecraft programme<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-6-xl-font-size\">How satellite services underpin the UK economy and everyday life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Space-derived technology has become so ubiquitous that we may not recognise the significant role space has played in every technology we take for granted, and may not fully appreciate the raw long-term potential of space-based innovation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recent <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/size-and-health-of-the-uk-space-industry-2024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">analysis<\/a><\/span><\/strong> estimates that space and satellite services underpin 18% the UK\u2019s GDP, with another <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rntfnd.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/London-Economics-2022-Benefits-of-Resilient-PNT.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">estimate<\/a><\/span><\/strong> that the loss of <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/alternative-pnt-gps-interference-aviatio\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"30465\">access to PNT services (Positional, Navigation and Timing services such as GPS) <\/a><\/span><\/strong>would cost the UK economy \u00a31 billion <em>per day.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-space-strategy.jpeg\" alt=\"UK space strategy\" class=\"wp-image-40502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-space-strategy.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-space-strategy-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-space-strategy-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: UK Space Agency<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When viewing these and similar analyses, it is clear that in 2026, and 69 years on from Sputnik, space-derived technology is ubiquitous and has societal impacts of both breadth and depth. These include the country-wide critical role of satellite services such as PNT, as mentioned above, to technologies transforming lives on an individual scale. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, work at <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/tag\/nasa\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"81\">NASA<\/a><\/span><\/strong> has resulted in the development of assistive technologies like the cochlear implant and eye-tracking technology to aid communication for people living with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"flex flex-wrap items-center justify-start -mx-2 mt-6\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/esa-airbus-laser-link-world-first\/\"  class=\"btn-ocean  mx-2 my-2  flex items-center flex-row \">\n                                        <span class=\"sr-only\">Also read: ESA and Airbus achieve world-first 2.6 Gbps aircraft-to-GEO laser link<\/span>\n                    <span>Also read: ESA and Airbus achieve world-first 2.6 Gbps aircraft-to-GEO laser link<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-6-xl-font-size\">From space exploration to real-world innovation: hidden benefits of space tech<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To underline this message, and perhaps challenge some of the misunderstandings of the role and utility of space technologies, Marks &amp; Clerk\u2019s upcoming \u201cImpact Beyond Orbit\u201d series explores a number of technologies developed for space that benefit our lives on Earth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We discuss technologies such as compression algorithms, weather forecasting, water purification systems, and advanced prosthetics. It is impossible to expand fully on the myriad of ways we use space technology, but even with these examples, it is hopefully clear that space technology is far, far more than a billionaire\u2019s playground and science fiction movies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-space-agency-space-junk-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"UK space agency space junk\" class=\"wp-image-40503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-space-agency-space-junk-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-space-agency-space-junk-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-space-agency-space-junk-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-space-agency-space-junk-640x360.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-space-agency-space-junk.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: UK Space Agency<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The future is also bright &#8211; scientists and engineers are even now tackling exciting new challenges in space technology, including satellite-based AI tools to combat climate change, the <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/space-forge-plasma-orbit-semiconductor\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"34981\">manufacture of more efficacious pharmaceuticals in space,<\/a><\/span><\/strong> and satellite-based quantum communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even technologies that are ostensibly aimed at deep space exploration years in the future can have surprising and immensely important benefits here, and now, on Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"flex flex-wrap items-center justify-start -mx-2 mt-6\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/nasa-roman-space-telescope-map-universe\/\"  class=\"btn-ocean  mx-2 my-2  flex items-center flex-row \">\n                                        <span class=\"sr-only\">Also read: NASA reveals powerful Roman telescope to map the universe like never before<\/span>\n                    <span>Also read: NASA reveals powerful Roman telescope to map the universe like never before<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-6-xl-font-size\">The UK space sector: Strong science, weak commercialisation and investment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The UK\u2019s technical and scientific capability in the space sector is far from hypothetical; it is a current, world-leading reality. As evidenced by our rank as second in the world for <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/span.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SPAN-UK-space-science-nature-benefits-FINAL-REPORT-060421.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">highly cited space science publications,<\/a><\/span><\/strong> our academic foundation is exceptionally strong. We are critical contributors to landmark international missions like the <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/tag\/james-webb-space-telescope\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1721\">James Webb Space Telescope<\/a><\/span><\/strong> and the <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/tag\/artemis\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1677\">Artemis<\/a><\/span><\/strong> moon missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this academic competence is not tracking into a correspondingly strong commercial success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/space-satellite-orbiting-the-earth-2-1024x512.jpeg\" alt=\"space-satellite-orbiting-the-earth-2\" class=\"wp-image-40504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/space-satellite-orbiting-the-earth-2-1024x512.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/space-satellite-orbiting-the-earth-2-300x150.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/space-satellite-orbiting-the-earth-2-768x384.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/space-satellite-orbiting-the-earth-2.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Met Office<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2025 House of Lords report \u201c<strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/publications.parliament.uk\/pa\/ld5901\/ldselect\/ldukspace\/190\/190.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Space Sector: Act Now or L<\/a><\/span><\/strong>ose Out\u201d observes that the UK\u2019s spending commitments are not commensurate with its capabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are currently seeing a gap where UK institutions and companies trail other major economies in patent filings across space technologies, so while the will and talent to innovate are present, the commercial and financial commitments have arguably failed to keep pace with our scientific capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"flex flex-wrap items-center justify-start -mx-2 mt-6\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/surrey-launches-uk-space-institute\/\"  class=\"btn-ocean  mx-2 my-2  flex items-center flex-row \">\n                                        <span class=\"sr-only\">Also read: New UK Space Institute aims to transform satellite research into climate and cyber defence tools<\/span>\n                    <span>Also read: New UK Space Institute aims to transform satellite research into climate and cyber defence tools<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-6-xl-font-size\">Why intellectual property and patents are critical to UK space sector growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the intellectual property industry, this disconnect represents more than just missed opportunities; it represents a systemic vulnerability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Space is an area of innovation, with far-reaching, even unexpected applications. When our patent applications lag behind peer states, we aren\u2019t just losing \u201cideas\u201d, we\u2019re losing the ability to lead the markets they create.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the UK space industry to mature, it must move beyond being a \u201cresearch hub\u201d and become a \u201ccommercial hub\u201d that owns its intellectual property. Patents and trade marks provide an environment in which businesses are more likely to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/satellite-for-the-Met-Office-UK-1024x512.jpeg\" alt=\"satellite for the Met Office UK\" class=\"wp-image-40506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/satellite-for-the-Met-Office-UK-1024x512.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/satellite-for-the-Met-Office-UK-300x150.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/satellite-for-the-Met-Office-UK-768x384.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/satellite-for-the-Met-Office-UK.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Met Office<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This extends not just to protecting an invention or brand, but also in increasing the value of the business, potentially reducing corporation tax, and significantly increasing chance of investment (according to research published by the European Patent Office (EPO) and European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), small companies that hold IP rights can be over 10 times more likely to secure investment, and are more likely to achieve faster growth).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Investors should see this as a market ripe with potential, but only if the underlying IP is secured with the same rigour as the science itself. Without a robust IP strategy, even the most groundbreaking research can fail to become a scalable asset.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"flex flex-wrap items-center justify-start -mx-2 mt-6\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/news\/spacex-falcon9-mauve-uk-telescope-launch\/\"  class=\"btn-ocean  mx-2 my-2  flex items-center flex-row \">\n                                        <span class=\"sr-only\">Also read: SpaceX Falcon 9 puts UK-built ultraviolet telescope Mauve into orbit for subscription-based space science<\/span>\n                    <span>Also read: SpaceX Falcon 9 puts UK-built ultraviolet telescope Mauve into orbit for subscription-based space science<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-6-xl-font-size\">Turning space innovation into commercial success: closing the gap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bridging this gap sits in how we approach the commercialisation of space tech; we must implement a strategy from the moment of discovery by matching our \u201csecond in the world\u201d publication status with similarly strong IP strategies and incentivise funding for space-focused research groups and start-ups early. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The UK\u2019s unrivalled academic achievements should not only be celebrated in journals but also protected as sovereign commercial successes. Investing now in space-focused research groups and start-ups could result in significant returns as this fast-changing sector rapidly matures and delivers the next exciting technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Marks &amp; Clerk LLP is a world-leading provider of intellectual property services with offices in the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia. We have a dedicated team of space sector specialists with legal and technical expertise to help any company working in the space sector with their Intellectual Property questions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have technology that you are interested in protecting, <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marks-clerk.com\/expertise\/sectors\/aerospace-space-technologies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact us<\/a><\/span><\/strong> today to book an initial consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"flex flex-wrap items-center justify-start -mx-2 mt-6\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/aerospaceglobalnews.com\/opinions\/\"  class=\"btn-stealth  mx-2 my-2  flex items-center flex-row \">\n                                        <span class=\"sr-only\">Read more expert opinions on aerospace matters in our dedicated section here<\/span>\n                    <span>Read more expert opinions on aerospace matters in our dedicated section here<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n        ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The UK space sector leads in research and innovation, but struggles to convert that strength into commercial success. Phil Merchant, Principal and Space Technology Team Lead at Marks &#038; Clerk, explains why stronger IP strategy is key to unlocking its full value.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":30117,"template":"","categories":[122,190],"tags":[6567,1341,3298,256,7663],"class_list":["post-40501","opinion","type-opinion","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-leadership","category-space","tag-pnt","tag-satellite","tag-space-launch","tag-uk-space-agency","tag-united-kingdom"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Opinion: Space is booming, but the UK risks being left behind<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The UK space sector excels in science but lags commercially. 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