The UK Space Agency, along with Axiom Space have put up to £15 million in commercial funding on the table, and initiated two new funding calls aimed to harness the best of UK innovation for a space journey alongside a team of home-grown astronauts. 

The science call aims to support UK-based researchers in designing and executing scientific research leveraging microgravity and the space environment, aligning with national space strategy goals and research priorities. 

Meanwhile, the technology demonstrator call seeks to test innovative technologies within a space environment, particularly those supporting critical technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.

“There is huge potential for UK businesses to play an increasingly important role in space exploration and the development of new technologies,” said Andrew Griffith, minister for space at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

The announcement follows a Memorandum of Understanding inked by the UK Space Agency and Axiom Space in October 2023, outlining plans for a commercially-sponsored UK astronaut mission and soliciting ideas for science and technology. 

“We want to keep the UK space sector at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological innovation, so this has been front and centre of our work with Axiom Space since October,” said Annelies Look, UK Space Agency deputy CEO.

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Dr Lucie Low, chief scientist for microgravity research at Axiom Space, said: “Axiom Space is delighted to support the UK Space Agency in its efforts to solicit impactful scientific and technological development projects that can advance the goals of human exploration of space, as well as bring benefit to citizens on Earth.” 

“Our Axiom Space missions to date have enabled researchers from across the globe to utilise the microgravity environment for national research and technology development priorities, and we continue to work together to secure sponsorships for this exciting mission.”

The UK Space Agency’s collaboration with Axiom Space for a commercial mission also has the full support of the European Space Agency.