As space exploration and commercial space initiatives accelerate worldwide, the inaugural Farnborough International Space Show (FISS) is set to become a focal point for global industry.
Endorsed by the UK Government and set for 19-20 March 2025, at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre in the UK, FISS will be a cornerstone event for space professionals across industry, defence, government, and academia. With the show collocating with the 40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE-40), these conjoined events will embody the collaborative spirit essential for driving innovation and addressing urgent challenges in space & Earth observation.
The importance of the Farnborough International Space Show is reinforced by strong support from senior UK officials, including the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle – who speaking in the House of Commons highlighted its significance. “The fact that Farnborough is now getting into space is something we should celebrate as a country,” he stated, emphasizing the renowned capability of Farnborough International to convene international industry titans, start-ups and pioneers from the world of aerospace, defence and space.
Discussing the important of putting the UK on the global stage, Alun Williams, Deputy Director ‑ Space, ADS Group (the UK trade association advancing leadership in aerospace, defence, security and space plus founding sponsor of FISS) said “Space is a global venture, and one we should seek to maximise opportunities to collaborate globally in line with the UK’s ambitious international goals. The UK space sector is a world leader in the production of satellites for earth observation – a key tenet of the government’s National Capability goals – and in the application of the technologies developed in the space sector. These technologies underpin our security, help us understand and plan for our future sustainability and provide vital services to institutions and citizens that underpin our daily lives.
“FISS is an invaluable opportunity to cement the UK’s position at the forefront of the international space market for academia, manufacturers, and innovators. It will provide a unique platform for those within the UK space sector to showcase our ambition, build new partnerships that help us to expand our supply chains globally, and strengthen the UK’s multilateral relationships and soft power in every continent of the world.”
The space show aims to propel the commercial space age forward and strengthen the UK’s role in space domain defence. The event is designed “by the sector, for the sector,” providing unmatched networking opportunities through Farnborough’s renowned Business Connections Exchange and International Delegations programs. Industry leaders, government representatives, and space technology innovators from across the globe will gather to discuss critical themes, including Commercial Space, Sustainability in Space, Security & Defense, and Earth Observation.
Running concurrently with FISS, the ISRSE-40 symposium from 17-21 March is another global opportunity for the industry, bringing remote sensing experts together to advance Earth observation technologies.
Organised by a consortium of UK-based organisations, including Farnborough International, National Centre for Earth Observation and Space South Central, and ICORSE, the event will foster international collaboration, drive innovation, and address key global challenges including climate change, resource management, and disaster response.
Supported and attended by leading institutions, such as ESA, and NASA, this year’s ISRSE will focus on leveraging Earth observation for sustainable development. The symposium’s theme, “Synergy in Sight: Harnessing Earth Observation for Sustainable Development,” reflects a commitment to addressing pressing environmental and societal challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
The dual presence of ISRSE-40 and FISS not only offers professionals a ‘big picture’ view of the entire space ecosystem, from satellite manufacturing to Earth data applications, but also strengthens the UK’s position as a nexus for global space industry innovation. Key features of FISS, such as the Space Solutions Zone, UK Government Hub, Launch Pad for startups, and “Meet the Engineer” sessions, ensure comprehensive support for businesses of all sizes. Meanwhile, ISRSE-40 brings forward groundbreaking research in climate monitoring, sustainable agriculture, urban resilience, and renewable energy, all anchored in Earth observation.
The combination of Farnborough International Space Show and ISRSE-40 promise to serve as a global platform for pioneering advancements in space and Earth observation, fostering international partnerships and accelerating technological progress. As Farnborough opens its doors to the world, the UK is set to be at the forefront of defining the future of space.
For more information on exhibiting or visiting Farnborough International Space Show and ISRSE-40, visit: https://farnboroughspaceshow.com/
The UK's largest international event pioneering the commercial space age & advancing space domain defence.
