Harvesting the Sun: Space-Based Power and the UK’s Next Industrial Revolution Artwork

The Outside Context

"An Outside Context Problem was the sort of thing most civilizations encountered just once, and which they tended to encounter rather in the same way a sentence encountered a full stop." — Iain M. Banks, Excession. This podcast discusses challenges that fall into the outside context with the innovators and visionaries who are the forefront of technological change. It considers the big picture of technology, and why this matters for the future of human civilisation.

All Episodes

The Outside Context

Harvesting the Sun: Space-Based Power and the UK’s Next Industrial Revolution

September 02, 2026 • Jannah Patchay & Elise Soucie Watts • Season 1 • Episode 18

0:00 | 1:05:42

In episode 18, we explore the future of space, examine space-based solar power, and look at the UK’s role in space innovation with Mark Garnier MP. Discover how space is the next frontier for human progress and what it means for policy, technology, and inspiration.

Key Topics

Space as the next iteration of human progress
Space-based solar power and its potential
UK government and policy on space
Investment and finance in space industry
Inspiration and education in space exploration

Soundbites “Space is the next iteration of human progress.” “Exploring space is the next step in human exploration.” “A holistic strategy is essential for UK’s space leadership.”

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Space Politics and Policy

04:26 - A Philosophical Perspective on Space

09:18 - Space-Based Solar Power: A Resource for the Future

23:09 - Investment and Policy in Space Infrastructure

35:01 - Inspiration and the Future of Space Careers

44:22 - The Economic and Existential Future of Humanity in Space

Note: at the time of recording, space policy sat within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. This has since moved into the Department for Business and Trade.

Connect with Us:

Follow The Outside Context on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts
Follow Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay for more insights into the future of technology, civilisation & digital finance

Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you!

Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution
© 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.