Via Satellite archive photo

The UK Space Agency announced 33 million pounds ($43 million) in funding for space projects on Monday as part of the UKSA’s National Space Innovation Programme. The funding will be split between a number of established projects and kickstarter projects receiving a smaller amount. 

The two main beneficiaries will receive 5 million pounds ($6.5 million). The two projects are a vertical launch of a sounding rocket from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland, led by HyImpulse UK, and the second is a thermal infrared Earth observation instrument to observe climate change, led by Super Sharp Space Systems. 

Other beneficiaries include Rolls-Royce Submarines, Spire Global, and Orbit Fab. A number of U.K. universities are involved with the projects including University of Southampton, University of Leicester, and the University of Cambridge. 

Many of the projects deal with in-orbit technology like space robotics demonstrations and EO payloads. 

ETL Systems will receive 690,000 pounds $892,000 for ground segment technology to merge satellites with 5G and 6G terrestrial networks. This will facilitate waveform alterations and accommodate edge devices like satellite terminals.  

“These new projects will help kickstart growth, create more high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations,” commented Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency. “They go to the heart of what we want to achieve as a national space agency that supports cutting-edge innovation, spreads opportunity across the UK and delivers the benefits of space back to citizens on Earth.”