The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a funding boost of £33m for over 20 national space projects, aimed at fostering innovation and growth in the country. The announcement came from DSIT Secretary of State Peter Kyle on the first day of the Farnborough International Airshow.
The funding is allocated through the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP), which seeks to invest in promising technologies, promote innovation, and drive growth throughout the country. 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.”
According to DSIT, £24m from the funding will be allocated to eight major projects. These include £5m for a sub-orbital rocket test by HyImpulse at the SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland and a similar amount for Rolls-Royce Submarines to develop microreactors for space exploration.
Other startups mentioned include Cambridge University spin-out SuperSharp, which aims to construct and launch a heat-detecting telescope to collect data for addressing the climate crisis; Lunasa, a startup developing technology to enable safe satellite docking; Orbit Fab, which is dedicated to researching how to efficiently refuel satellites; and Wayland Additive, which is working on an electronic propulsion system.
Other winners of the funding support include Spire Global, which will develop technology for providing specialised weather forecasting data to global weather prediction centres, and ETL Systems, which will advance ground equipment to connect satellites with 5G and 6G mobile networks.
The remaining £9m of the funding will go for 15 additional ‘kick starter’ projects. The proceeds will assist in advancing technologies and applications that are in the early stages of development.
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