UK National Space Strategy and industrial developments

[Yokel]

MicroCarb - UK Space Agency

MicroCarb is the first European mission intended to characterise greenhouse gas fluxes on Earth’s surface and gauge how much carbon is being absorbed by oceans and forests, the main sinks on the planet.

Monitoring the data will allow us to anticipate how the ecosystems will react to global warming. The UK has a range of roles from assembling and testing the satellite, ground segment algorithms to leading UK scientists on the Mission Advisory Group...

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The UK is involved with the Assembly, Integration and Testing of satellite, design and build of key parts, data collection, algorithm development and scientific mission preparation.

 

[Yokel]

Space back atop the Cabinet agenda as reignited National Space Council re-launches UK space superpower ambitions - DSIT

The National Space Council met today (Wednesday 19 July) for the first time since its reinstatement, as part of the UK’s mission to become a true space superpower and fulfil the country’s ambition to become Europe’s leading provider of small commercial launches by 2030. This builds on the already extraordinary growth of the UK space sector, which employs almost 49,000 people and generates an income of £17.5 billion.

The Council was co-chaired by the Science and the Defence Secretaries, flanked by other Cabinet Ministers and with insights from astronaut Tim Peake, amongst other expert support. The Council also saw an exhibition of lunar rocks, brought to Earth during the Apollo missions, serving as a fitting metaphor for the UK’s ambitions to aim for the moon and beyond.

The Council will be responsible for coordinating government policy on space and ensuring that the UK is well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the space sector to drive job creation and grow the economy, one of the Prime Minister’s 5 key priorities...

 

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National Space Strategy in Action - DSIT/MOD

The National Space Strategy in Action sets out the next steps in implementing the National Space Strategy across each of its 4 pillars:

1. unlocking growth
2. collaborating internationally
3. growing as a science superpower
4. developing resilient capabilities

The strategy sets out some concrete policy steps we are taking now and sets the direction for the work of government over the next 18 months – giving space sector businesses and innovators a clarity and confidence of where government is intervening, and where we will intervene in the future. It sets out the key metrics we will use to track our progress...

 

[Yokel]

Boost for broadband and 5G coverage revolution rollout as government explores plan to open £160 million satellites fund - DSIT/UKSA

British innovators working to revolutionise 5G and broadband coverage for every corner of the UK could be in line to secure up to £160 million from a scheme to deliver the next generation of high-tech satellites, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan announced today.

LEO satellites represent the next generation of space technology, offering unparalleled resilience and resistance to disabling attempts. Their vital importance was demonstrated during Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, when they ensured continuous and reliable connectivity, even in the most challenging circumstances. The Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit scheme (CLEO) would build on our country’s established and growing satellites industry by providing UK researchers and businesses with critical support to drive the development of new constellations.

This would include supporting smarter satellites with better hardware, using AI to make data delivery faster and connecting satellites together for improved connection – all creating interconnected networks serving billions worldwide. The proposed scheme would ensure UK businesses are supported in developing the next generation of low Earth orbit satellites, driving the UK’s thriving satellite industry towards global leadership.

The development would mark the UK’s most significant ever investment in satellite communications, unleashing our country’s potential to become global giants of the satellite industry while creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs to boost the Prime Minister’s priority of growing our economy.

This package would be complemented by a range of live 5G integration projects such as the 5G testing facility at ESCAT in Harwell, Oxfordshire, aiming to establish networks in underserved and remote areas, bringing high-speed internet and connections to every single part of the UK, while addressing a major priority to improve Future Telecoms, as laid out in the government’s Science and Technology Framework...

 

[Yokel]

UK Space Agency funding for technologies to monitor the Earth - UK Space Agency/DSIT

The £15 million UK Space Agency funding will support the research and experimental development of space-based instruments, aimed at supporting a range of environmental services, which could include meteorology, climate monitoring, environmental management, agriculture and urban planning, and improving scientific knowledge.

The UK is already a world leader in Earth Observation (EO) tools, technologies, and data use. This funding will help to accelerate the development of promising UK EO technologies which could be flown on satellites in the next few years.

The National Space Strategy in Action report, published in July, set out the government’s plans for how the UK will remain at the forefront of EO technology and know-how for commercial and public services...

 

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Pioneering worldwide space partnerships to boost UK innovation - UK Space Agency

The UK Space Agency announced the recipients to receive the first phase of its £20 million International Bilateral Fund investments, which will help UK organisations link up with the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, India, Singapore, South Africa and more to form collaborations that will progress space research and catalyse investment in new technologies.

The International Bilateral Fund is the Agency’s first fund dedicated to building and strengthening international relationships to help advance the UK’s goals in space.

While some projects will focus on enhancing those relationships to unlock future economic opportunities for the UK, others will focus directly on science missions and technologies with strong commercial potential. From using superconductors for spacecraft control to space traffic management and satellite launch vehicles, the portfolio of projects represents the full breadth of the sector.
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The full list of projects, which will each receive up to £75,000 of the initial £2.1 million pot, includes the following:

University of Glasgow x Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth Consortium (Australia)​

Development of a novel approach to lunar regolith sampling.

Rolls-Royce x BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC (USA)​

International collaboration on industrial research into novel space nuclear technology development.

University College London x University of Bordeaux x University of New Hampshire​

Enhancing firmware code and providing an updated prototype for use in HelioSwarm/iESA.

University of Leicester and National Nuclear Laboratory x ispace Inc (Japan), Aerojet Rocketdyne, NASA Glenn Research Center, John Hopkins University (USA)​

Co-operation around radioisotopes for use in space technologies to develop a commercial pipeline.

Satellite Applications Catapult x Obruta Space Solutions Corp (Canada)​

Developing a low-Earth orbit (LEO) regulatory and technology testbed for in-orbit servicing and manufacturing.

University of Exeter and University of Leicester x an international coalition across the USA, Japan, Canada and Australia​

Development of fluorescent deep space petri pods.

Frontier Space Technologies Ltd x The Exploration Company (Germany)​

In-orbit biopharma research and development.

Seraphim Space Camp Accelerator Ltd x Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd, Temasek Holdings, OSTIn, Enterprise Singapore and SG Innovate (Singapore)​

Seraphim Space Accelerator’s expansion into Asia.

Deimos Space Ltd and SJE Space Ltd x Silentium Defence Trading (Australia), Exa Research (USA)​

Complementary use of different sensing technologies to increase coverage.

Telespazio UK x Symbios Communications, National Physical Laboratory (Australia)​

Developing a new quality assurance platform for Earth Observation data.

Earth-I Ltd x Planet Labs PBC (USA)​

Novel approach to achieving high-revisit surveillance of sites of interest to the defence, security and intelligence community.

Vertical Future Ltd and University of Cambridge x University of Adelaide (Australia), Axiom Space (USA), Saber Astronautics (Australia and USA)​

Autonomous agriculture to support space exploration.

University of Bradford and Satellite Applications Catapult x Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency [JAXA] and Fujitsu Services (Japan)​

Developing next generation space-grade AI devices for data analytics and operational efficiencies for satellite constellations.

Astroscale Ltd and OrbitFab x Astroscale Japan Inc.​

Strengthening relations with Japan to unlock in-orbit servicing investment.

The Open University, XCAM Ltd and Teledyne UK Ltd x Indian Space Research Organisation (India)​

Development of next generation X-ray instrumentation for space and planetary science.

Iota Technology Ltd and RAL Space (UK) x Twinleaf LLC (USA)​

Development of a nanosatellite with capability to map Earth’s magnetic field.

University of Surrey, University of Southampton, University of Portsmouth, Surrey Satellite Technology and Twin Paradox Labs x Office for Space Technology and Industry [OSTIn] (Singapore)​

Understanding satellite collaborations on monitoring air pollution and atmospheric weather forecasting.

AstroMagnetic Systems Ltd x New Space Systems (South Africa)​

Spacecraft control using liquid metal and superconductors.

Strathclyde University x University of Arizona and MIT (USA), University of Waterloo and Columbiad Launch Services Inc (Canada)​

AI for space safety and sustainability.

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, Assimilia, RALSpace x CSIRO Space and Astronomy and Smartsat CRC (Australia)​

Creation of an integrated ground-to-space national water quality monitoring system.

Frontier Space Technologies Ltd x Sierra Space Corporation (USA)​

Development of a commercial biotech platform for industrial microgravity application.

University of Southampton x University of Michigan, Pulsar Fusion and Starlight Engines (USA)​

US-UK collaboration on the development of Hall thruster spacecraft propulsion.

Assimila Biosecurity Ltd x Cervantes Agritech Pty Ltd and CABI (Australia)​

Using Earth Observation, climate and weather data to predict and manage biosecurity risks.

LENA Space x Taiwan Space Agency [TASA]

Developing a concept for a satellite launch vehicle cryogenic turbopump.

AstroAgency Ltd x AzurX Tech Ltd and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (UAE), National Space Science Agency (Bahrain)​

Collaboration on Earth observation and data analytics, and developing the UK-UAE/Bahrain space relationship.

University College London x NASA JPL (USA)​

Growing the UCL/JPL partnership: non-gravitational force modelling for precise orbit determination and space traffic management.

Reaction Engines x Virgin Galactic (USA)​

Combining innovative UK air-breathing propulsion with US airframe capability for space access.

In-Space Missions x Singapore Space and Technology Ltd, OSTin and A*STAR Research Entities (Singapore), Geo-Informatics, Space Technology Development Agency and Philippines Space Agency, TASA, National Research and Innovation Agency (Indonesia)​

Development of a multi-agency technology and business accelerator programme via regular in-orbit payload rideshare missions (Faraday Dragon).

The Open University x Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona and Ball Aerospace and Technologies (USA)​

UK detector technology for future NASA high-resolution imaging of the Moon and Mars.

University of Leicester, Geospatial Insight Ltd, CGI IT x Bahrain National Space Science Agency, Kanoo (Bahrain)​

Miniaturised rapid deployment high resolution carbon mapping sensors for monitoring GHG emission management programmes in the Gulf region.

D-Orbit x High Earth Orbit Robotics Pty Ltd (Australia)​

Responsive in-orbit inspection service.

 

[Yokel]

Pioneering worldwide space partnerships to boost UK innovation - UK Space

The UK Space Agency has announced the recipients to receive the first phase of its £20 million International Bilateral Fund investments, which will help UK organisations link up with the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, India, Singapore, South Africa and more to form collaborations that will progress space research and catalyse investment in new technologies.

The International Bilateral Fund is the Agency’s first fund dedicated to building and strengthening international relationships to help advance the UK’s goals in space.

While some projects will focus on enhancing those relationships to unlock future economic opportunities for the UK, others will focus directly on science missions and technologies with strong commercial potential. From using superconductors for spacecraft control to space traffic management and satellite launch vehicles, the portfolio of projects represents the full breadth of the sector...
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The full list of projects, which will each receive up to £75,000 of the initial £2.1 million pot, includes the following:

• University of Glasgow x Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth Consortium (Australia)
  Development of a novel approach to lunar regolith sampling.
• Rolls-Royce x BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC (USA)
  International collaboration on industrial research into novel space nuclear technology development.
• University College London x University of Bordeaux x University of New Hampshire
  Enhancing firmware code and providing an updated prototype for use in HelioSwarm/iESA.
• University of Leicester and National Nuclear Laboratory x ispace Inc (Japan), Aerojet Rocketdyne, NASA Glenn Research Center, John Hopkins University (USA)
  Co-operation around radioisotopes for use in space technologies to develop a commercial pipeline.
• Satellite Applications Catapult x Obruta Space Solutions Corp (Canada)
  Developing a low-Earth orbit (LEO) regulatory and technology testbed for in-orbit servicing and manufacturing.
• University of Exeter and University of Leicester x an international coalition across the USA, Japan, Canada and Australia
  Development of fluorescent deep space petri pods.
• Frontier Space Technologies Ltd x The Exploration Company (Germany)
  In-orbit biopharma research and development.
• Seraphim Space Camp Accelerator Ltd x Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd, Temasek Holdings, OSTIn, Enterprise Singapore and SG Innovate (Singapore)
  Seraphim Space Accelerator’s expansion into Asia.
• Deimos Space Ltd and SJE Space Ltd x Silentium Defence Trading (Australia), Exa Research (USA)
  Complementary use of different sensing technologies to increase coverage.
• Telespazio UK x Symbios Communications, National Physical Laboratory (Australia)
  Developing a new quality assurance platform for Earth Observation data.
• Earth-I Ltd x Planet Labs PBC (USA)
  Novel approach to achieving high-revisit surveillance of sites of interest to the defence, security and intelligence community.
• Vertical Future Ltd and University of Cambridge x University of Adelaide (Australia), Axiom Space (USA), Saber Astronautics (Australia and USA)
  Autonomous agriculture to support space exploration.
• University of Bradford and Satellite Applications Catapult x Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency [JAXA] and Fujitsu Services (Japan)
  Developing next generation space-grade AI devices for data analytics and operational efficiencies for satellite constellations.
• Astroscale Ltd and OrbitFab x Astroscale Japan Inc.
  Strengthening relations with Japan to unlock in-orbit servicing investment.
• The Open University, XCAM Ltd and Teledyne UK Ltd x Indian Space Research Organisation (India)
  Development of next generation X-ray instrumentation for space and planetary science.
• Iota Technology Ltd and RAL Space (UK) x Twinleaf LLC (USA)
  Development of a nanosatellite with capability to map Earth’s magnetic field.
• University of Surrey, University of Southampton, University of Portsmouth, Surrey Satellite Technology and Twin Paradox Labs x Office for Space Technology and Industry [OSTIn] (Singapore)
  Understanding satellite collaborations on monitoring air pollution and atmospheric weather forecasting.
• AstroMagnetic Systems Ltd x New Space Systems (South Africa)
  Spacecraft control using liquid metal and superconductors.
• Strathclyde University x University of Arizona and MIT (USA), University of Waterloo and Columbiad Launch Services Inc (Canada)
  AI for space safety and sustainability.
• Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, Assimilia, RALSpace x CSIRO Space and Astronomy and Smartsat CRC (Australia)
  Creation of an integrated ground-to-space national water quality monitoring system.
• Frontier Space Technologies Ltd x Sierra Space Corporation (USA)
  Development of a commercial biotech platform for industrial microgravity application.
• University of Southampton x University of Michigan, Pulsar Fusion and Starlight Engines (USA)
  US-UK collaboration on the development of Hall thruster spacecraft propulsion.
• Assimila Biosecurity Ltd x Cervantes Agritech Pty Ltd and CABI (Australia)
  Using Earth Observation, climate and weather data to predict and manage biosecurity risks.
• LENA Space x Taiwan Space Agency [TASA]
• Developing a concept for a satellite launch vehicle cryogenic turbopump.
• AstroAgency Ltd x AzurX Tech Ltd and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (UAE), National Space Science Agency (Bahrain)
  Collaboration on Earth observation and data analytics, and developing the UK-UAE/Bahrain space relationship.
• University College London x NASA JPL (USA)
  Growing the UCL/JPL partnership: non-gravitational force modelling for precise orbit determination and space traffic management.
• Reaction Engines x Virgin Galactic (USA)
  Combining innovative UK air-breathing propulsion with US airframe capability for space access.
• In-Space Missions x Singapore Space and Technology Ltd, OSTin and A*STAR Research Entities (Singapore), Geo-Informatics, Space Technology Development Agency and Philippines Space Agency, TASA, National Research and Innovation Agency (Indonesia)
  Development of a multi-agency technology and business accelerator programme via regular in-orbit payload rideshare missions (Faraday Dragon).
• The Open University x Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona and Ball Aerospace and Technologies (USA)
  UK detector technology for future NASA high-resolution imaging of the Moon and Mars.
• University of Leicester, Geospatial Insight Ltd, CGI IT x Bahrain National Space Science Agency, Kanoo (Bahrain)
  Miniaturised rapid deployment high resolution carbon mapping sensors for monitoring GHG emission management programmes in the Gulf region.
• D-Orbit x High Earth Orbit Robotics Pty Ltd (Australia)
  Responsive in-orbit inspection service.

 

[Yokel]

Space sector collaboration is key to growth - UK Research and Innovation

Working together will deliver big science and help the UK to profit from the rapidly expanding space sector.

My field of particle physics is not an individual endeavour. It’s collaborative. The more individualistic scientists, the ones who want to be out on their own, generally don’t succeed in a field that relies on collaboration.

As I look out of my window on UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Harwell campus, I see many great facilities and clusters of innovative businesses. This success is not the result of the efforts of a single person. It builds on the hard work of many people over many years, and today this continues to be a massive collaborative team effort.

There are some very exciting things going on in the space sector right now and they are being delivered by large teams of people coming together from across research and business, with the Harwell campus as one of the main focal points...

 

[Yokel]

It is always about people!

UK space sector has sights set on artificial intelligence and machine learning professionals - UK Space Agency

New recruits with skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are in high demand to harness the benefits of emerging technologies in the UK space sector, according to a new survey.

The latest research into space skills across businesses, government and academia shows that nearly all space organisations experience some skills-related issues (95%), well over a third (37%) are missing expertise in software and data analysis, and nearly a quarter (21%) are expressing the need for AI and machine learning specifically, higher than any other technical area.

According to the UK Space Agency’s Space Sector Skills Survey 2023 – developed in partnership with the Space Skills Alliance and know.space - software and data analysis accounted for half of all vacancies across the sector.

As set out in the ‘National Space Strategy in Action’ the space sector needs a strong pipeline of talent, but the supply of skilled and experienced professionals has not kept pace with such a fast-growing industry, which has more than doubled in income over the last decade (from £8.3 billion in 2009 to £17.5 billion in 2021)...

 

[Yokel]

Orbex To Raise Profile of Scotland’s Spaceflight Industry at Glasgow ‘Space for Everyone’ event - The Manufacturer

UK-based orbital launch services company, Orbex, is set to participate in the UK Space Agency’s ‘Space for Everyone’ event in Glasgow on 21-22 September. Orbex previously attended the Space for Everyone event in Aberdeen in August, and due to a high level of interest, more dates have been added to the tour.

Orbex will once again provide visitors with a glimpse into rocket-building and spaceflight, offering a range of activities, educational resources, and insights into the company’s own operations. The Space for Everyone tour will be in Glasgow at George Square from September 21st – 25th.

Devised by the UK Space Agency, ‘Space for Everyone’ is a nationwide tour designed to be a beacon of inspiration, shining a light on the UK’s burgeoning space sector and the variety of career opportunities available. As well as getting up close to a 72ft rocket replica, visitors will have the opportunity to explore various interactive exhibits as they learn about the crucial role spaceflight and satellites play in enhancing life on Earth.

Orbex will take the opportunity to address the high level of interest in the rapidly emerging Scottish spaceflight industry, particularly among younger generations. With a rocket factory in Forres in Moray, and a ‘home’ spaceport currently being constructed in Sutherland on Scotland’s northern coast, Orbex is uniquely poised to help young people in Scotland – and those interested in space sector careers – expand their knowledge and learn more about how they can get involved.

At the event, Orbex will be offering freebies, activity books for kids, and informational resources about its Prime space rocket –the most environmentally friendly rocket in the world. Attendees will get to see videos showing the Orbex Prime space rocket and the construction of the launch platform at the test site at Kinloss. The launch of Prime is expected to mark the first vertical rocket launch from the UK mainland. Visitors to the event will have had a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what makes Prime special and learn more about a career in the space industry...

 

[Yokel]

UK launches £65 million funding call for space technologies and applications - UK Space Agency

The National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) will support high-risk, high-reward projects designed by British organisations with the potential to accelerate the development of new space technologies, satellite applications, and services.

The programme provides an opportunity for the UK space sector to develop novel and valuable commercial innovations that could tackle challenges such as the use of satellite data to combat climate change or providing services to make in-orbit applications more sustainable.

The first tranche of up to £34 million funding is open to proposals that will drive innovation, accelerate the route to market, and catalyse investment into the UK space sector. The remaining funding will be split across further calls in 2024 and 2025 with projects running until March 2027...

 

[Yokel]

The UK Space Agency is Unlocking Space for Business

Global satellite services currently support activity that contributes £370 billion to the UK economy, which is around 17.7% of our GDP. As the cost of accessing space continues to fall and the pace of innovation increases, a greater number of businesses now have the opportunity to harness the advantages offered by satellites through enhanced imagery, connectivity and navigation capabilities.

Unlocking Space for Business is an 18-month programme designed to bring these untapped benefits to hundreds of new organisations across the UK, focused on the leading transport and logistics and financial services sectors.

Opportunity areas can include using satellite imagery to improve the measurement of climate variables and verification of customer insurance claims after extreme weather events, satellite position and navigation to support location tracking and enabling the movement of people and satellite connectivity to help crew and passengers keep in touch with operators and families on shore.

Unlocking Space for Business will provide workshops, networking events, learning and development sessions, and online resources to support companies in their understanding of what satellite data and services can mean for them as well as offering the opportunity to bid for a share of up to £6 million UK Space Agency funding later this year to help launch innovative pilot projects, data procurement or partnerships...

 

[Yokel]

Priorities for strengthening the UK’s sovereign space capability - Council for Science and Technology/Government Office for Science

In October 2023, the Council for Science and Technology (CST) provided advice to the Chancellor and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on opportunities to develop the UK’s sovereign space capability.

A number of policy suggestions are made - it is worth reading.

 

[Yokel]

STFC celebrates £200 million raised by space tech start-ups - UKRI

Commercial success for space tech start-ups tackling climate change.

UK start-ups at the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre UK (ESA BIC UK) have now raised more than £200 million in equity investment collectively.

New statistics also confirm that, in addition to this, start-ups at the ESA BIC UK:

• sustain over 900 highly-skilled UK jobs
• contribute £51 million in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy every year
• have a 95% survival rate over five years following graduation from the programme, more than double the UK average, despite the economic uncertainties of the last few years..

 

[Yokel]

Space age manufacturing to boost frontline support - MOD

Technology used in radars and frontline battlefield communications could be manufactured in space, after an injection of funding to a British company.

Space Forge, based in South Wales, is building the world’s first in-space manufacturing platform that can be returned back to Earth and has been awarded £499,000 as part of a collaborative project with Northrop Grumman under the MOD’s Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP).

With multiple benefits, materials manufactured in space are especially pure because of access to extreme temperatures and lack of contamination.

This manufacturing includes semiconductors, which are crucial components of radars and frontline battlefield communications systems. Space Forge’s innovative work could see the revolution of UK defence supply chains as they deliver for our Armed Forces.

Part of a wider scheme, DTEP funding is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK to develop innovative materials, technologies and processes to enhance defence supply chains. DTEP aims to inspire companies to win new business, develop industrial capabilities, and provide new cutting-edge answers to defence problems at home and abroad.

Through DTEP funding, Space Forge will provide innovative solutions to Defence problems using cutting-edge science, and will also support highly-skilled jobs to the South Wales community, levelling up and supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy.

Demonstrating the UK government’s commitment to working with small businesses across Defence, the Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, also hosted a range of British small businesses in Cardiff today who are paving the way in new age defence capabilities...