GovWire

This is a defined call, with up to 20,000,000 of funding being made available to develop connectivity solutions in the fields of HAPS (High-Altitude Platforms), HALE (High-Altitude Long Endurance) and Drones. No upper or lower limit has been set for individual projects. The call is being run in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA).

All projects must include a compelling element of matched funding to be eligible under the programme. Further details on matched funding and other eligibility requirements are contained in the guidance document.

Please read the guidance on how to apply for UK support and note the requirement to submit an onlineExpression of Interest, prior to the submission of your proposal.

Who can apply

UK Industry and Academia

Total funding amount

Up to 20,000,000

Schedule for UK support

(Note: This does not include the?ESA?application process. Please see UK Space Agency guidance for further details on this.)

1. Funding Call Opens: 11 July 2023

2. Deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest: 1 September 2023 at 11:00 am GMT

3. Notification of Expressions of Interest and invitations to next stage: w/c 18 September 2023

4. Pitching Sessions: between 25 September and 6 October 2023

5. Notification of Pitching Session outcomes and invitations to next stage: w/c 16 October 2023

6. Deadline for submission of Outline Proposals: 20 November 2023 at midday GMT

7. Notification of UK outcomes: w/c 11 December 2023

The UK Space Agency held a webinar for prospective participants to hear more about the Aerial Connectivity Call on Wednesday 12 July.

Aerial Connectivity Call webinar

Any questions about this funding opportunity should be submitted totelecoms@ukspaceagency.gov.uk. Questions submitted to any other UK Space Agency email address will not be considered.