The UK Space Agency has announced £50 million of funding for innovative projects that will supercharge the UK’s satellite communications industry. 

The funding, part of the European Space Agency (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Services (ARTES) programme, is available for a range of projects, such as developing new satellite constellations, ground, and end-to-end systems. 

“Developing UK space capabilities and maximising commercial opportunities are key to the National Space Strategy, as part of our plans to become a leading power in space and build on a sector already worth £16.5 billion to the UK economy,” Science Minister George Freeman said. 

Projects could include integrating 5G systems to unlock connectivity for people and machines through upgrading infrastructure to enable new markets and services such as drones or driverless haulage, creating space-based networks to rival cable-based terrestrial ones, and helping Uk space operators to use disruptive new technologies and business models to enable global operations. 

“This latest £50 million UK Space Agency funding will help more companies into our vibrant fast growth UK space telecoms sector, helping drive both growth and wider UK economic resilience,” Freeman added. 

Already, the UK’s satellite communications industry is fast growing, with services contributing £10.4 billion to the economy and to the creation of more than 26,600 jobs. 

UK Space Agency CEO Dr Paul Bate said: “This is an exciting time to be involved in the satellite communications industry as the world increases its dependence on these services to manage business, travel, security, infrastructure, connectivity, and more.

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“This funding will help UK companies that have the right expertise and ambition to become global players in this market and lead on ground-breaking technologies that will enhance the wider UK space sector, create jobs and generate further investment.”

The funding announcement comes after the UK Space Agency provided £13m to space start-ups in December 2022, with the lions share of funding going to Scottish organisations. 

Scotland has their space ambitions set high, with plans for launching at SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland set for as soon as October this year. 

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