British businesses, universities and researchers will receive access to more than £62 million in government funding to develop homegrown space technologies.

The funding – announced by Space Minister Liz Lloyd – will support new satellite communications systems and space innovation projects, helping turn early-stage ideas into commercial products, strengthen the UK’s ability to monitor and protect assets in orbit, and build a more resilient domestic space sector.

The funding aims to help UK innovators build the satellite communications, space security and commercial technologies that strengthen Britain’s competitiveness, resilience and security.

New figures from the UK Space Agency show that pipeline is already expanding. Its Accelerator programme, which works with new space companies to help them attract investment, develop their technologies and win customers, has supported 289 founders and helped raise more than £102 million in investment.

“Space is not just a scientific frontier, it is a strategic one. If we do not build national capabilities at home, we become overly dependent on others for technologies we cannot afford to be without,” space minister Liz Lloyd said.

“That is why today we are announcing £62 million for satellite communications and space innovation, investing in the British businesses and researchers who will make that capability real. This funding will help develop new satellite communications technologies to keep remote communities connected, capture a growing market for on-orbit manufactured products and strengthen our ability to monitor and protect assets in orbit, while supporting the next generation of space innovators turning early-stage ideas into commercial products.

“Strengthening domestic capability in these areas, alongside working with international partners, will help ensure the UK remains secure, resilient and a leader on the world stage.”

The £62 million includes £42 million to develop new British satellite communications technologies and £20 million to support space innovation projects across industry and universities.

The National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) is launching a new £20 million funding call to support the development of space technologies across UK industry, universities and research organisations, with projects due to begin in April 2027.

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The funding is available through two routes: Kick Starter, for early-stage ideas, and Major Projects, for businesses looking to grow and commercialise. Applications are welcome across all areas of space technology, with up to 40% of the budget focused on Space Domain Awareness and In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing — two areas where domestic capability is vital to the UK’s ability to understand and respond to threats in orbit.

Additionally, the Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) is inviting organisations to register their interest ahead of a new funding call launching in Autumn. The upcoming call will award £37 million in grants by 2030, building on a pilot phase that delivered 13 projects across the UK.