The UK Space Agency has announced £2.7 million for 13 early-stage technology projects across the UK to support the growing satellite launch sector.

Britain is home to a thriving satellite manufacturing industry and is on track to become the first country in Europe to offer commercial launch services to small satellite manufacturers, from a range of spaceports offering both horizontal and vertical rocket launch capabilities.

Funding from the agency’s new Launch UK Technology Investment Programme will support teams from industry and universities to develop technology, products and services that will enhance the UK spaceflight supply chain, strengthen international competitiveness, and catalyse further investment.

Work is also underway on the construction of spaceports in Sutherland and Shetland, which will host vertical rocket launches from national and international launch providers.

Further spaceports are in development at other locations in Scotland and Wales, with the potential to host a wide range of new and innovative launch technologies.

Scottish Space Projects

Organisations in Scotland that are receiving their share include the Shetland Space Centre, which will gain £378,000 for Project SkyReach. This will see the building and installation of a rocket launch rail for sub-orbital launches.

The project is planned for SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland, due to begin launch activities early next year.

HyImpulse, which is also based in Shetland, will gain £399,000 for its motor test programme to implement design improvements for an advanced hybrid rocket, which will power the company’s sub-orbital and orbital launch vehicles.

AltaRange Ltd is getting access to £400,000 for a simulated test of the firms telemetry, tracking and termination system, which will provide customers with range services at lower costs.

The firm aims to catalyse investment into Scotland while prioritising and upskilling local suppliers to provide specialised system parts.

And lastly, Discover Space will gain £227,000 to work alongside the University of Glasgow to develop the MachLab propulsion and space research laboratory, which will offer testing capabilities of earth-storable and cryogenic rocket engines of up to 10kN.

The project also includes designing the first UK propellant densification system and high-thrust test facilities for full scale launch vehicles.

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Ian Annett, Deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency, said: “Funding new science and technology developments is crucial to growing the UK space sector and catalysing further investment into our economy.

“While we look forward to marking a major milestone in UK launch capabilities with the upcoming launch from Spaceport Cornwall, projects such as these ensure we have growing pipeline of new technologies ready for lift-off to support our long-term ambitions.

“Launch services are worth a potential £3.8 billion to the UK economy over the next decade. The UK Space Agency is already delivering a programme of spaceflight projects, including Virgin Orbit’s first launch from Spaceport Cornwall, which will carry nine satellites into orbit early next year.”

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