Drones delivering Covid-19 testing kits and technology using space data could become a reality after the UK Space agency backs three technology projects with funding.

Government backs space-enabled drones to deliver Covid-19 testing kits

The Science Minister Amanda Solloway unveiled details on 10 July about the systems that have been selected. It is part of a joint initiative between the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency (ESA) to identify space-enabled technologies and services that can support the NHS response to Covid-19.

The three companies involved are: Landmrk Limited, Stevenson Astrotat and Skyports. The applications include using drones to deliver medical supplies and samples from a mainland hospital to islands off the west coast of Scotland.

“The projects we are backing today show UK ingenuity at its finest, and will make a real difference to how we use this latest innovative technology to deliver critical healthcare now and long into the future,” said Stevenson Science Minister Amanda Solloway.

An initial £2.6 million was made available and these first three schemes have received a total of £1.1 million in funding. The UK Space Agency and ESA are still looking to fund further bids with the call for ideas remaining open until 30 September 2020.

The first project is SEDDCR (Space-Enabled Delivery Drones for the COVID Response). It is described as follows:

Skyports, based in London, is working with NHS Highland, which serves a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland, to use drones to deliver medical supplies and samples from a hospital on the Argyll and Bute mainland. Drones will use mobile connectivity, satellite communications and navigation, and Earth observation data, to chart a course to others areas of the mainland and across the sea to nearby islands to reach medical practices in need.

The second is Stay:

Landmrk Limited, based in Bristol, will develop an app called Stay, a mobile platform for charities and organisations supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Using satellite communications and Earth observation satellites the mobile-interactive app will reward young people for acting positively with ‘badges’, which will be linked to rewards, discounts or other incentives. Positive behaviour will include exercise, watching an educational video and answering a quiz and following distancing and hygiene guidelines.

Finally, Astrotat’s Isolation + is described:

Stevenson Astrosat, based in Musselburgh, Scotland, is developing a solution, called Isolation +, which uses advanced space data analytics combined with relevant ground information, to identify “hidden” vulnerable communities. This will allow voluntary organisations and local authorities to target support to those who are exposed to the impacts of Covid-19 through poverty and age.