Finance will improve and develop satellite-based services for defence and climate applications.
Five so-called ‘strategic themes’ have guided decisions on where to invest, including domain-awareness, earth observation, and position, navigation and timing.
Climate monitoring, connectivity, national defence and security, and sustainable satellite operations will all be improved. 140 skilled jobs will be created, helping boost the workforce across advanced manufacturing, data science, and engineering. Recipients include:
*HR Wallingford – developing of AI system to support satellite analysis of agricultural impact on water quality
*BAE Systems – satellite detection and tracking of radio signals for the UK defence sector
*University of Birmingham and Manchester’s Alan Turing Institute – AI space domain radar analysis
*Lodestar Space – autonomous robotic tools capable of servicing vehicles and satellites in-orbit
*Protolaunch and Orbit Fab – greener propulsion systems leading to satellites which can be refuelled
‘Space technology benefits people’s lives every day – from checking the weather to navigating your car journey home from work. This funding backs the brilliant UK innovators developing the next generation of space technology,’ said Liz Lloyd, UK Space Minister. ‘By supporting our space sector, we’re strengthening the UK’s position as a world leader in space innovation and building technologies that will benefit people across the country for years to come.’
The space sector is now worth £18 billion to the UK economy, which has grown thanks to £2.8 billion from the European Space Agency. According to analyse, every £1 invested in the industry is currently delivering £7.49 back into the British economy.
Image: Shot by Cerqueira / Unsplash
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