Uk Space Agency
The projects, worth 33 million, come from the UK Space Agencys National Space Innovation Programme designed to invest in high-potential technologies, drive innovation and unlock growth across the UK.
Eight major projects will receive 24 million of the total amount. These include funding for a sub-orbital rocket test by HyImpulse (Glasgow) from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland, support for Rolls Royce (Derby) to develop micro reactors to support space exploration, and backing for Cambridge University spin-out SuperSharp to develop and launch a heat-detecting telescope to gather data that can be used to help tackle the climate crisis.
The funding will also support Lunasa (Harwell) to build and test technology to help satellites safely dock with one another, Orbit Fab (Harwell) to develop a solution for satellite refuelling, and Wayland Additive (Huddersfield) to develop an electronic propulsion system.
A project led by Spire Global (Glasgow) will further develop technology to supply unique weather forecasting data to global weather prediction centres, while ETL Systems (Hereford) will advance revolutionary ground equipment that links satellites to 5G and 6G mobile networks, improving connectivity.
DSIT Secretary of State Peter Kyle said:
From combatting climate change to staying connected with loved ones, space technologies play an important role in many aspects of our day to day lives.
But backing the growth of UK space companies is also essential for driving economic growth, boosting productivity, and creating wealth in every community.
Our 33m investment in these projects highlights the huge potential of the UKs space industry, especially as we collaborate with international partners.
An additional 15 Kick Starter projects will receive 9 million between them. These will support technologies and applications that are in an earlier stage of development and increase their readiness for use in commercial and scientific endeavours. The projects cover a wide range of space-related capabilities, from in-orbit servicing and manufacturing, as well as advanced material development and the use of satellite imagery.
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said:
These new projects will help kickstart growth, create more high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations. They go to the heart of what we want to achieve as a national space agency that supports cutting-edge innovation, spreads opportunity across the UK and delivers the benefits of space back to citizens on Earth.
Chair of the UKspace trade association, John Hanley, said:
This investment into the space industry demonstrates the importance of funding through a national programme to unlock innovative collaborations in all parts of the UK. We hope this will further strengthen the sector, and build upon the growth we have seen in recent years.
Project Summaries
Major Projects
SHARP (Sustainable Hybrid: Accelerated Rocket Programme): 5 million
Led by HyImpulse UK in partnership with Cranfield University, Birmingham University and AVICON Partnership.
This project aims to conduct the vertical launch of a sounding rocket from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland, with the goal of developing key components contributing to an orbital launch service. HyImpulse intends to provide a fully vertically integrated launch service for a low-cost, fast, flexible, and reliable deployment of small satellites to low Earth and sun synchronous orbits.
An in-orbit demonstration of an unfolding TIR space telescope for climate change mitigation: 5 million
Led by Super Sharp Space Systems in partnership with the University of Cambridge.
The project will support the launch of an innovative, unfolding, thermal infrared (TIR) telescope into orbit for Earth Observation. The TIR telescope will collect data to drive positive action towards mitigating climate change.
Space Nuclear Power Micro-Reactor Technology Development and Demonstration: 4.8 million
Led by Rolls-Royce Submarines in partnership with Bangor University, University of Oxford and Rolls Royce Bristol.
The project will raise the overall technology readiness level for Space Micro-Reactors, closing the gap to a full system space flight demonstration and the commercialisation of space nuclear power.
OHMS-Sat (Operational Hyperspectral Microwave Sounder-Satellite): 3.5 million
Led by Spire Global in partnership with STAR-Dundee, the Met Office?and STFC RAL Space.
This project will build on the prior developments of the Hyperspectral Microwave Sounder (HYMS) to accelerate it towards an operational mission to supply weather forecasting data to global numerical weather prediction (NWP) centres and create unique weather products.?
Electric Propulsion Innovations for Space and Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing: 2.7 million
Led by Wayland Additive in partnership with Mars Space Ltd.
The project aims to adapt Mars Space Ltd (MSL)s spacecraft electric propulsion technology and apply it to Electron Beam Metal Powder Additive Manufacturing in Wayland Additive Ltds Calibur machines. The access to, and spinout of, this technology to terrestrial applications will result in economies of scale for the MSL hollow cathode technology, benefiting both the space and terrestrial sectors.
SPITFIRE (Servicing Propellant Interface Technology For In-orbit Refuelling Effectiveness): 1.3 million
Led by Orbit Fab in partnership with MDA Space and Robotics, and the University of Southampton.
The project will develop a full high-pressure interface solution to flight qualification level. This will bring together all the critical elements of refuelling for a UK-developed pressure agnostic interface solution that could be used on all future Orbit Fab refuelling missions in the pipeline.
Proximus Prime: Autonomous vision-based Rendezvous Proximity Operations (RPO) demonstration mission in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using Small Satellites: 1 million
Led by Lnasa in partnership with Orbit Fab.
Lnasa intends to co-engineer, integrate and test its autonomous Rendezvous Proximity Operations (RPO) Kit around Orbit Fabs commercially available satellite docking and refuelling interface. Lnasa will deploy the RPO Kit into Space and perform a first-of-its kind commercial satellite autonomous close-proximity demonstration between two MicroSats.
IF Lite project - Digital IF for Satellite mobile ground terminals and antennas: 690,000
Led by ETL Systems.
ETL Systems will develop an advancement in satellite ground segment technology, merging Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) including satellites, with terrestrial networks such as 5G and 6G, alongside cloud virtualisation. This will facilitate seamless waveform alterations and accommodate edge devices like satellite terminals.
Kickstarter Projects
SuperMagdrive: 1 million
Led by Magdrive in partnership with Orbit Fab and the University of Southampton.
This project will develop and scale up Magdrives plasma propulsion system - SuperMagdrive. The project focuses on development of the power system, ultimately demonstrating the technology with a test fire. Applications of this technology range from rendezvous and proximity operations to in space refuelling operations, contributing to a more sustainable space.
Development of an ultra-high efficiency, low-cost flexible solar blanket and compact, modular roll-out mechanism for in-orbit deployment: 980,000
Led by Lightricity in partnership with AVS Added Value Solutions and University of Leicester.
Lightricity will work with partners to deliver a roll-out, in-orbit deployable flexible solar blanket or sheet for application in powering satellite payloads and potentially satellite electric propulsion, particularly suitable for small to medium satellites.
DIGGER (Drilling and Integrated GigaHertz-Generated Energy Resource) for Lunar and Asteroid applications: 850,000
Led by STFC in partnership with University of Strathclyde, UK Atomic Energy Authority and SJE Space.
DIGGER is a feasibility study into whether terrestrial directed energy drilling (plasmas/microwaves) could be adapted for space applications, specifically lunar explora