Five Scottish projects have been provided with nearly £11 million in funding from the UK Space Agency, it was announced today at the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow.

The projects come from the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP), designed to invest in high-potential technologies and help drive innovation and growth in the space sector across the UK.

Two Scottish projects will receive £8.5m of the total funding provided to UK companies. The first project is a suborbital rocket test by HyImpulse (Glasgow) from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland; the second is a project led by Spire Global, which is further developing technology to supply unique weather forecasting data to global numerical weather predictions centres.

An additional three “Kick Starter” projects across Scotland will receive £2.4m between them. These projects are designed to support technologies and applications that are in an earlier stage of development and increase their readiness for use in commercial and scientific endeavours.

For instance, one of the projects is a partnership between University of Strathclyde, UK Atomic Energy Authority, and SJE Space for a feasibility study into whether terrestrial directed energy drilling (plasmas/microwaves) could be adapted for space applications, specifically lunar exploration.

The UK government said that not only will the funding support the growth of the country’s space business and create new jobs, but it will also enhance Scotland’s offering of space capabilities and services to international investors and major space players.

Speaking at the Farnborough International Airshow, where he met with a number of Scottish exhibitors, Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: “This is an exciting time for the Scottish space sector as we look forward to the first satellite launch from SaxaVord in Shetland later this year. The burgeoning industry plays a vital role in our economy and employs thousands of people across the country.

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“It was fantastic to meet with some of them here and hear about their pioneering plans which could be a key driver for growth, jobs and investment in Scotland.

“Scotland is a major player in the international space industry and I am delighted the UK Government is continuing to back the sector with £10.9 million in funding for these five Scottish projects.”

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, also commented: “These new projects will help kickstart growth, create more high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations.

“They go to the heart of what we want to achieve as a national space agency that supports cutting-edge innovation, spreads opportunity across the UK and delivers the benefits of space back to citizens on Earth.”