Space Tech Projects Secure Share of £24m Government Funding for Cutting-Edge Innovations

• Eight space tech projects, including a sub-orbital rocket and a heat-detecting telescope, secure £24m in funding from the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme
• Value of projects rises to £33m with private sector commitments, aiming to support high-potential space technologies and drive growth across the UK
• HyImpulse to conduct sub-orbital rocket test at SaxaVord Spaceport, Rolls Royce Derby developing microreactors for space missions, and SuperSharp launching a heat-detecting telescope
• Funding also supports projects for satellite docking technology, satellite refuelling, electronic propulsion system development, weather forecasting data supply, and ground equipment for satellite connectivity to mobile networks
• Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, emphasizes the projects’ role in creating jobs, protecting the planet, and delivering space benefits back to citizens

Exploring the Future: Eight Space Tech Projects Securing £24m Government Funding

Space technology continues to push the boundaries of human innovation, with the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme recently awarding £24m to eight groundbreaking projects. These initiatives, ranging from sub-orbital rockets to heat-detecting telescopes, aim to revolutionize space exploration and drive economic growth. Let’s delve into the details of these exciting ventures shaping the future of space technology.

HyImpulse: Propelling Innovation with Sub-orbital Rocket Tests

One of the funded projects under the National Space Innovation Programme is HyImpulse, a company set to conduct a sub-orbital rocket test at the SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland. With a significant investment of £5m, HyImpulse is partnering with Cranfield University, Birmingham University, and AVICON Partnership to propel their hybrid propulsion system to new heights. This marks the second round of funding for the Glasgow-based company, showcasing the UK Space Agency’s continued support for cutting-edge space technologies.

Rolls Royce Derby: Revolutionizing Space Missions with Microreactors

Rolls Royce Derby, in collaboration with Bangor University, University of Oxford, and Rolls Royce Bristol, is embarking on a project to develop microreactors tailored for extended space missions. With a focus on enhancing the technology readiness level for space micro-reactors, this initiative aims to bridge the gap towards full system space flight demonstrations and the commercialization of space nuclear power. The project’s innovative approach underscores the UK’s commitment to advancing space propulsion technologies.

Related Video

Published on: February 7, 2020 Description: Space Station Project is a science fair projects for school students who are interested in science experiments which can be done ...

Science Projects | Space Station Project

SuperSharp: Illuminating the Climate Crisis with Heat-Detecting Telescopes

A standout project supported by the funding is SuperSharp, a University of Cambridge spinout dedicated to developing and launching a heat-detecting telescope. With a £5m investment, the startup led by CEO Marco Gomez-Jenkins aims to collect vital data to address the climate crisis. By leveraging space technology for environmental science, the telescope’s imaging capabilities can be harnessed for diverse applications such as climate change monitoring, crop analysis, and global security. SuperSharp’s pioneering work exemplifies the fusion of space exploration and sustainability efforts.

Driving Innovation Across the Cosmos: Future Prospects

The remaining projects receiving funding, including Lúnasa’s satellite docking technology, Orbit Fab’s satellite refuelling solution, and Wayland Additive’s electronic propulsion system, showcase the diverse range of advancements in space technology. These initiatives reflect a collective effort to enhance satellite operations, extend mission capabilities, and foster connectivity in space. Additionally, projects led by Spire Global and ETL Systems highlight the critical role of space data in weather forecasting and satellite-ground network integration, respectively.

The £24m government funding allocated to these eight space tech projects signifies a significant investment in the future of space exploration and innovation. As these initiatives unfold and pave the way for cutting-edge advancements in the field, they not only propel the UK’s space industry forward but also contribute to global scientific progress. With a focus on driving growth, creating high-quality jobs, and preserving the space environment for future generations, these projects embody the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines humanity’s journey beyond Earth’s boundaries.