At the recent Space-Comm Expo 2024, six new projects were unveiled, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and fostering collaboration within the UK’s expanding space sector. These initiatives follow the release of the government’s Space Industrial Plan, which outlines a strategic approach to developing the space industry across the nation.
One of the key highlights is Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), a leading satellite manufacturer in the UK, securing a project through the UK Space Agency’s Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF). With a public investment of £250,000, matched by the company, SSTL will upgrade its facilities in Guildford to include a state-of-the-art Research and Development Imager Cleanroom. This new facility will advance the development of cutting-edge space-based imaging technology, essential for satellite monitoring of Earth and the space environment.
To date, SCIF has allocated £47 million to various projects, including a space skills centre in Newcastle and a microgravity research centre in Cardiff. These investments are part of the UK Space Agency’s broader efforts to strengthen the UK space ecosystem and encourage further investment.
As outlined in the Space Industrial Plan, the government remains committed to supporting space clusters across the UK, ensuring they have the necessary tools to collaborate effectively and attract new investments.
Space Minister Andrew Griffith emphasized the significance of the government’s investment, stating, “Our £250,000 investment in Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd underscores the crucial role that UK businesses play in advancing global space capabilities. This funding, aligned with our Space Industrial Plan, will enhance SSTL’s research facilities, enabling innovation in advanced imaging technology vital for satellite operations.”
In addition to SSTL, the UK Space Agency announced £500,000 in funding for five additional projects, aimed at boosting collaboration among the UK’s network of space clusters:
- Space North: A collaboration between Space Hub Yorkshire, the North West Space Cluster, and Space North East England, focusing on showcasing regional expertise in resilient communications and attracting investment.
- Unlocking Space for Agriculture: A partnership between regional space and agricultural sectors in Scotland and the East of England, exploring opportunities for innovation through space capability research.
- South West Space Partnership: A pan-regional initiative combining the strengths of Space West, the Cornwall Space Cluster, and others, to promote the region’s space capabilities and attract international investment.
- Power4Space: A project strengthening ties between the North West and Midlands Space Clusters, focusing on commercial opportunities in novel power systems for deep space applications.
- Earth Observation for Environmental Monitoring: Leveraging Earth observation capabilities within the NI Space, Space Wales, and Space East clusters to monitor water bodies for harmful algal blooms and seaweed production, enhancing local government services.
Dr. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, highlighted the importance of these targeted projects, saying, “With the entire UK space sector represented at Space-Comm Expo, I’m pleased to announce these initiatives that will drive the continued growth of our space ecosystem and align with the government’s Space Industrial Plan. These new projects will catalyze investment, foster collaboration, and enhance prosperity across the UK.”
The recent Spring Budget 2024 also saw the Chancellor announce the launch of the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme, a £160 million initiative over the next four years. This programme aims to position the UK as a global leader in next-generation satellite communication technologies, creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs and boosting the UK economy.
The UK Space Agency continues to fund a wide range of projects to drive innovation and growth in the space sector. Recent investments include:
- A £2 million upgrade to the Satellite Applications Catapult’s In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing (IOSM) facility at the Westcott Space Cluster, providing unique capabilities for in-orbit operations.
- A £10 million investment in telecommunications under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems (ARTES) programme.
- The launch of the Unlocking Space for Business programme, with £2 million to help organizations leverage satellite data and services for growth.
- A £7.4 million investment to support collaborations between UK and international space organizations, enhancing their bids for major science and exploration missions.
- Support for Open Cosmos in building three satellites for the ESA NanoMagSat constellation, which will measure Earth’s magnetic field and assess space weather hazards.
