The UK’s National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) has announced its commitment to back groundbreaking projects by British entities. These projects, characterized by their high-risk, high-reward nature, aim to fast-track the evolution of innovative space technologies, satellite utilities, and services.
The NSIP is poised to address global challenges, from harnessing satellite data to counteract climate change to introducing sustainable in-orbit services. An initial funding pool of £34 million is now available for pioneering proposals that promise to spark innovation, expedite market entry, and attract investments to the UK’s space industry. Subsequent funding rounds are scheduled for 2024 and 2025, with projects extending until March 2027.
George Freeman MP, the Minister for Space, emphasized the UK’s relentless progress in the space sector, attributing it to the nation’s top-tier scientists and technologists. He stressed that such investments not only fortify the UK’s position in the global space community but also pave the way for economic growth, job creation, and the expansion of the £17.5 billion space industry.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, highlighted the indispensable role of space technologies in today’s interconnected world. He expressed confidence in the NSIP’s ability to back the UK’s most ambitious space initiatives, which have the potential to address real-world challenges and enhance lives.
Since its inception in 2020, the NSIP has already allocated over £25 million to UK-based projects. Notable beneficiaries include SatVu, which developed a pioneering Middle Wavelength Infra-Red (MWIR) satellite, and Northumbria University, which crafted a state-of-the-art laser optical communications terminal.
The NSIP’s funding approach is twofold: major projects and kickstarter initiatives. The latter targets nascent and disruptive innovations. Previous beneficiaries include Space Forge, which developed retractable solar panels, and Imperial College London’s research on in-orbit metal additive manufacturing.
Rob Desborough of Seraphim Space underscored the UK’s thriving SpaceTech ecosystem, noting that the UK has attracted 17% of the global space sector’s private capital since 2015. John Hanley of UKspace emphasized the research-intensive nature of the UK space sector and lauded the NSIP’s role as a catalyst for further industry investment.
The NSIP’s support is pivotal in overcoming R&D challenges, facilitating the introduction of valuable space technologies that promise long-term benefits for individuals, businesses, and communities.
This announcement sets the stage for the upcoming UK Space Conference, scheduled from 21-23 November in Belfast, which will serve as a collaborative platform for global space innovators.
Leading UK Space Innovators
The British space industry is rapidly ascending the global ladder, with numerous UK-based space enterprises eager to propel the nation’s space ambitions. The National Space Strategy aims to amplify the UK’s global space market share from 5% to 10% within the next decade. This vision has galvanized both international entities like Deimos Space UK and wholly domestic firms. Let’s delve into the top 10 trailblazing Space Tech & Satellite Companies that the UK boasts of.
- Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL)
- Established in 1985 at the University of Surrey, SSTL is among the UK’s pioneering space firms.
- Since 2008, it’s been an Airbus Defense and Space affiliate.
- With over 70 satellite launches in three decades, its notable constellations include UOSat radio satellites and Earth Observation Satellites like DMC, RapidEye, and Carbonite.
- By 2024, SSTL aims to complete a telecommunications spacecraft for lunar missions.
- Clyde Space Ltd
- Founded in 2005 in Glasgow, Clyde Space is a leading innovator in advanced nanosatellites and related services.
- They have been instrumental in producing the UK’s first Ukube 1 CubeSat in 2014.
- Their offerings range from CubeSat subsystems to comprehensive space services.
- Oneweb.world
- Originating in London in 2012, OneWeb aims to deploy a 648-satellite constellation to offer affordable internet in remote regions.
- Despite bankruptcy challenges in 2020, investments from the UK government and Bharti Global have revitalized the company.
- Earth-i
- Established in 2015 in Guildford, Earth-i specializes in near real-time Earth Observation satellite data.
- Their Vivid-i Constellation is the first to offer both full-color images and video.
- STAR-Dundee
- Born from the University of Dundee’s Space Technology Center in 2002, STAR-Dundee leads in SpaceWire and SpaceFibre technology, essential for onboard spacecraft networking.
- Oxford Space Systems
- Founded in 2013 in Harwell, Oxfordshire, OSS is revolutionizing deployable antennas, panels, and spacecraft boom systems with innovative designs and materials.
- Open Cosmos
- An ESA BIC startup from 2015, Open Cosmos simplifies space missions for diverse industries, offering comprehensive satellite solutions.
- Skyrora
- Established in 2017 in Edinburgh, Skyrora is making waves with its eco-friendly rockets and space debris removal initiatives.
- Orbex Space
- Initially Moonspike Ltd in 2015, Orbex Space now focuses on commercial nano- and micro-satellite launch services with their eco-friendly Prime rocket.
- Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station
- Located in Cornwall, Goonhilly, established in 1962, is one of the world’s largest satellite ground stations, playing a pivotal role in global communications.