A new National Space Innovation Programme will provide £15 million to support “pioneering ideas” in the UK space sector, it has been announced.

UK government launches space innovation programme

The initial funding is for projects related to Earth observation, communications and international partnerships, says the UK Space Agency.

“The UK space sector is a huge economic success story, growing by over 60% since 2010. The industry already supports £300 billion of UK economic activity through the use of satellite services, and employs more than 40,000 people. This is expected to grow further, with the space sector estimating there could be a £60 billion market in the future in new Earth observation and communication technologies.”

“The UK Space Agency is inviting proposals for high-risk, high-reward projects to develop new technologies, products or services with the potential to grow the UK space sector, create high-skilled jobs and tackle global issues.”

Up to £10 million of the funding will support projects focusing on either Earth observation technologies or Communications projects

For the former, the UK Space Agency cites that half of the measurements needed to monitor climate change rely on satellites, so the development of more advanced instruments and data analysis techniques will support climate science and inform strategies to reduce emissions or protect local areas from impacts such as flooding, by identifying changes to the environment

For communications projects, applications such as autonomous vehicles, AI and robotics rely on fast, reliable connectivity are highlighted. Satellite communications can fill in the gaps, and new projects could be funded to enhance how space and ground-based systems complement one another to ensure 100% coverage, support new technologies and increase resilience, says the agency.

The remaining £5 million of the funding is set aside for international space projects, with the aim to strengthen the UK’s partnerships with other space faring nations.

“The National Space Innovation Programme will ensure that our best and brightest talent have the backing they need to turn their world class ideas into goods and services, creating jobs and opportunities dedicated to tackling the most pressing global challenges we face,” said Science Minister Amanda Solloway.

UK Businesses, universities and research organisations can bid for funding to match their own investment in projects that will help the space sector create new high-skilled jobs, while developing new capabilities and technologies. Each project will be able to bid for a grant between £200,000 and £2 million, out of the £15 million funding.