The UK Space Agency announced at the recent Space Comm Expo in Glasgow that it will spend £17 million on 17 UK space projects through the National Space Innovation Programme.
The selected space projects span five strategic themes important to the UK’s space ambitions: space domain awareness, on-orbit servicing and manufacturing, earth observation, satellite communications, location, navigation and timing.
Together, these projects will deliver innovative technologies that enhance climate monitoring, improve connectivity, enable sustainable satellite operations, and strengthen national security.
From quantum communications and robotic maintenance tools to AI-powered pollution tracking and refuelable propulsion systems, these innovations will help build a resilient and competitive UK space sector.
Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: “This funding will support the UK’s best innovators as they develop the next generation of space technology.
“By supporting the space sector, we are strengthening Britain’s position as a world leader in space innovation and building technology that will benefit people across the country for years to come.”
Growth of UK space talent
New NSIP-funded projects also provide tangible public value. Together, these space projects are expected to create up to 140 skilled jobs across the UK and strengthen the talent pipeline in engineering, data science and advanced manufacturing.
Innovations in Earth observation and satellite data will enhance services such as weather forecasting, agricultural monitoring, and disaster response.
HR Wallingford’s AI tools use satellite data to assess how agricultural practices impact water quality in rivers and seawater bodies, supporting environmental protection and more sustainable land use.
In addition, Magdrive Ltd is developing a compact, versatile and efficient metal-based plasma propulsion system with the aim of mass production in the UK to support the next generation of satellite constellations.
Strengthening national security
Some new space projects will also contribute to national security and resilience.
The University of Birmingham’s AI-powered satellite radar analysis system helps us understand and respond to objects in space, improving space domain awareness, shaping the future of autonomous satellite operations and making space missions safer and smarter with a bespoke AI approach developed by the Alan Turing Institute.
In addition, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is developing satellite-based services for detecting and tracking radio signals from Earth, with applications in both the civil and defense sectors.
Promoting sustainability in the space sector
The program advances the UK’s sustainability goals. It is the first step in the development of Protolaunch’s water-based propulsion system and Orbit Fab’s refuelable electric propulsion system, facilitating greener satellite operations.
Lodestar Space will also develop autonomous, modular robotic tools to service spacecraft in orbit, reduce space debris and extend satellite life.
Strengthening UK leadership with innovative new space projects
This new investment from the UK Space Agency builds on the UK’s £18bn space sector, which continues to grow rapidly and is a major destination for global space investment.
Space Academic Network (SPAN) co-chairs Professor Mark Sims and Professor Anna Hogg commented: “We are delighted to see that the UK Space Agency’s NSIP program is delivering great innovation across industry and academia, often working together to support the development of real future technologies for the UK space sector.”
“The wide variety of technologies currently being developed through NSIP is exciting to see, and each represents an opportunity to advance the sector and drive future growth.”
These initiatives reflect a co-ordinated approach to growing the UK space economy, driving innovation and delivering lasting value for people and stakeholders across the UK.
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