The United Kingdom Space Agency is investing about $22.7 million in 17 projects focused on Earth observation, satellite communications, space domain awareness, in-orbit servicing and manufacturing, and position, navigation and timing.
The investment is funded by the National Space Innovation Programme, or NSIP, to accelerate technology breakthroughs and create a more competitive space sector, the agency said Wednesday.
“This funding backs the brilliant U.K. innovators developing the next generation of space technology,” commented Liz Lloyd, the nation’s space minister. “By supporting our space sector, we’re strengthening the U.K.’s position as a world leader in space innovation and building technologies that will benefit people across the country for years to come.”
What Projects Will Receive UK Space Agency Funding?’
The U.K. Space Agency mentioned BAE Systems Digital Intelligence’s development of a satellite-based tracking of radio signals from Earth and Orbit Fab’s development of a refuelable electric propulsion system among the projects that will receive NSIP funding.
BAE Systems will receive $1.96 million for its project, which is expected to serve civil and defense applications and support the U.K.’s sustainability goals. Meanwhile, Orbit Fab’s refuelable electric propulsion system will receive $454,000 to enable greener satellite operations.
Orbit Fab also recently secured a contract from the European Space Agency and the U.K. Space Agency to demonstrate its in-space refueling capabilities by 2028.
Other funding recipients include Lodestar Space, Protolaunch, Filtronic Broadband, Toshiba Europe, Magdrive and B2Space.