Britain has the expertise to take on the likes of Elon Musk's Space X programme according to Dr David Whitehouse. The space industry expert has told GB News that the UK space industry has a "great deal of potential. Dr Whirehouse boasted the UK has become a "major part of every space agency" around the world. It comes as UK satellite firm Inmarsat announced a new bid to launch a set of pioneering communication satellites into orbit.

       Dr Whitehouse told GB News: "We stand with expertise with Government backing even though a lot of this is being driven by American billionaires.

       "We have a great deal of potential in this country.

       "Because we love space and we have fallen in love with space again."

       He added: "Wherever you go in the world you will find Britain a major part of every space agency."

       "We have a reservoir of talent that stands able to take advantage of what are changing times in space," added the expert.

       "And the Government does want more people, more companies to be involved in space and to have a greater share of global space activity."

       Dr Whitehouse comments came following the launch of the British made Eutelsat Quantum satellite system

       Eutelsat Quantum was built by Surrey Satellite Technology Limited and is the first of a new generation of satellites.

       Following the satellites launch Science Minister Amanda Solloway said: "By investing in ground-breaking international projects like this one, we are helping UK businesses transform science fiction into commercial advantage, resulting in jobs, growth and innovation.？

       “This？game-changing technology will ensure the UK continues to lead the world on telecommunications satellites and further bolster our growing space sector, which already generates ￡16.4billion of income annually and supports 45,000 jobs.”

       In total ￡65millon was used to develop Eutelsat Quantum with funding come from the UK Space Agency and an additional ￡170million provided by UK industry.

       The ESA's Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications hailed the launch as an example of the fostering of innovation within the UK space industry.

       Elodie Viau, said: “I am proud to witness the successful launch of Eutelsat Quantum, which is the result of an ESA Partnership Project.

       “ESA fosters innovation in the space industry in the UK and across Europe, enabling it to succeed in the highly competitive global telecommunications markets.

       “Investing in space creates jobs and prosperity on Earth.”