The UK Space Agency has opened applications for three independent members of its new Earth Observation Advisory Committee, with roles for a chair, a vice chair and an early career representative. Applications close at 11:59pm on 14 August 2026.

According to the primary notice, the committee will advise the agency on key Earth observation policy and strategic delivery decisions. Members will serve in a personal capacity and are expected to bring a broad view of the UK EO landscape, with the freedom to challenge and debate where needed.

The published criteria explicitly seek experience from across the UK EO value chain, familiarity with ESA, EU and international programmes and awareness of the issues and opportunities facing the UK Earth observation sector.

The committee will complement existing structures including the cross-government EO Board, the UK Space EO committee and the Space Academic Network EO Committee. That suggests the agency wants a smaller advisory group that can give focused input on strategy, evidence and programme priorities rather than act as a project review panel.

The roles are unpaid, although reasonable UK travel expenses for in-person meetings will be considered. The chair and vice chair may also be asked to support additional ad hoc meetings and time-sensitive commissions outside the committee’s three scheduled meetings each year.

For commercial EO companies, this is a practical opportunity to help influence the policy and programme environment that sits upstream of funding calls, procurement choices and long-term capability decisions. It is also a reminder that if industry wants UK EO strategy to reflect real market conditions, it needs senior people willing to contribute time, judgement and constructive challenge.

Primary source: GOV.UK EOAC call for independent members
Role duties and selection process: GOV.UK full EOAC details