At The Data City, we specialise in mapping and analysing the UK’s emerging economies. With over 400 Real-Time Industrial Classifications (RTICs), our AI-driven platform provides real-time insights into cutting-edge industries.
We are excited to introduce our latest RTIC, the ‘Space Economy’ developed in collaboration with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). This new classification replaces our previous space RTIC that we built with Satellite Applications Catapult.
What does the Space Economy RTIC include?
The Space Economy RTIC identifies companies across manufacturing, operations, applications, and support services within the space sector. It provides a real-time, data-driven view of industry trends, investment, and growth.
This RTIC goes beyond traditional classification systems like SIC codes, which often fail to capture emerging industries. Using machine learning, website text and expert input, we have built a classification that accurately represents the modern space sector.
Unlike other classifications, this RTIC does not focus solely on traditional aerospace companies. Instead, it identifies businesses pioneering new technologies such as geospatial analytics, in-space robotics, and orbital servicing. In total they’re 39 verticals.
The process
The Space Economy RTIC was developed through a rigorous process:
- Sector experts from DSIT defined the taxonomy, creating a framework for the classification.
- Machine learning algorithms identified relevant companies from our extensive data sources.
- Industry specialists refined the lists, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
- Manual verification was conducted before launching the RTIC on our platform.
Key insights from the RTIC
The UK’s Space Economy is valued at £63.3bn, with an annual growth rate of 3.0%. The sector has received £2.2bn in investment and includes 1,785 companies. It supports over 235,000 employees and continues to expand rapidly.
Space Economy verticals
Our RTIC includes 39 verticals, capturing the diverse activities within the sector. Some of the most significant include:
- Space Ecosystem (349 companies)
- Mapping & Imaging (307 companies)
- Positioning, Navigation & Timing (203 companies)
- Space Engineering (281 companies)
- Geospatial Analytics (98 companies)
- In-Space R&D & Manufacturing (50 companies)
Notable Space Economy companies
Satellite Applications Catapult
The Satellite Applications Catapult is a leading technology and innovation company dedicated to advancing the UK space sector and, by extension, the national economy.
They focus on increasing market adoption of satellite services by connecting suppliers with end-users across various industries, providing business support through access to facilities and expertise, and engaging in collaborative research and development projects.
They have an estimated growth percentage per year of 8.3% and have received an Innovate UK grant in the last three years.
Geollect Limited/Roke
Geollect, which is also known as Roke is a British engineering company specialising in sensors, communications, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Founded in 1956 and headquartered at Roke Manor near Romsey, Hampshire, Roke has a rich history of innovation, including the development of the Hawk-Eye ball tracking system used in sports like tennis, football, and cricket.
Roke serves various sectors, including aerospace, defence, digital health, energy, insurance, law enforcement, central government, maritime, and national security.
They are a fast-growing company, with an estimated growth per year of 43%, one to watch!
Astroscale Ltd
Astroscale is a company dedicated to space sustainability, working on debris removal and orbital servicing solutions. It’s the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations.
Although their parent company is based in Singapore, Astroscale have an office in Oxford. From our Lightcast jobs and skills data we can see in 2025, they have published 14 job postings and over 63 postings for Aerospace engineers in the last 5 years. They have an estimated employee growth percentage per year of 69.3%.
A new standard in industrial classification
At The Data City, we are redefining how emerging industries are mapped. With over 400 RTICs available, our platform provides real-time insights into the UK’s most dynamic sectors.
The Space Economy RTIC offers fresh intelligence for researchers, policymakers, and investors, complementing existing resources like the UK Space Capabilities Catalogue.
The Space Economy RTIC is now live on our platform and available to all Data City users.
Want to explore the data? Sign up for a free trial today!
Please note: The data from The Data City is accurate at the time the article was written but may change over time due to the dynamic, real-time nature of our data. For the latest insights, visit our platform.
