Advancing space technologies: UK Space Agency launches £65M technology funding

The UK Space Agency is unveiling a substantial funding opportunity, amounting to £65 million, aimed at driving pioneering advancements in space technologies and applications

The National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) funding initiative is designed to support visionary projects conceptualised by British organisations.

These projects can accelerate the growth of novel space technologies, satellite applications, and services.

UK leadership in space technologies and applications

NSIP is a vital opportunity for the UK’s space sector to cultivate innovative commercial solutions. These innovations can address critical challenges, such as leveraging satellite data to combat climate change and enhancing the sustainability of in-orbit applications.

The initial tranche of funding, amounting to up to £34 million, is currently open for proposals. It aims to stimulate innovation, expedite market entry, and attract investments into the UK’s space industry. Additional funding rounds are scheduled for 2024 and 2025, with projects expected to run until March 2027.

Minister for Space emphasises British innovation

George Freeman, MP, Minister for Space at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, underscores the value of British innovation in advancing the nation’s space sector. He believes that investing in these projects strengthens the UK’s position in the global space community and unlocks future business opportunities and job growth within the £17.5 billion space sector.

Harnessing space technologies for real-world challenges

Dr. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, emphasises the critical role of space technologies in today’s interconnected world. NSIP aims to support ambitious space technology projects that can address real-world challenges, catalyse investments, deliver new capabilities, and harness the power of space for the betterment of lives.

Empowering innovations in space

The NSIP program has a track record of supporting UK organizations with over £25 million in funding, leading to groundbreaking developments such as the Middle Wavelength Infra-Red (MWIR) satellite and miniaturized laser optical communications terminals. These innovations can potentially revolutionise Earth observation, satellite constellations, and space science missions.

Securing the future of the UK space sector

Rob Desborough, Managing Partner at Seraphim Space, emphasizes the significance of funding mechanisms like NSIP in maintaining the UK’s prominence in the global SpaceTech ecosystem. The UK’s thriving space industry has attracted substantial private investments, positioning it as a competitive player in the trillion-dollar space market of the future.

John Hanley, Chair of UKspace, applauds NSIP as a catalyst for industry investment, fostering the development of commercial space products and services. He highlights that this support is pivotal in overcoming R&D barriers, bringing high-value space technologies to market, creating jobs, and benefiting communities for future generations.

A glimpse into the future of space innovation

The launch of NSIP precedes the UK Space Conference, taking place from November 21-23 at ICC Belfast.

This event serves as a global platform for government, industry, and academic space innovators to collaboratively shape the future of space collaboratively, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to space exploration and technology development.