UK Space Agency invests £6.9m in British satellite technology – UKTN

The UK Space Agency is investing £6.9m in a series of satellite technology projects to “secure Britain’s place as a European space leader”.

The new investment will support five projects through the European Space Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems programme.

These UK-led projects include refuelling technology to extend the lifespans of satellites and a 5G non-terrestrial network.

“Today’s investment shows how the UK’s space ambitions translate into real-world impact,” said Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency.

“By advancing satellite communications technology, we’re not only building a globally competitive sector but also ensuring that communities – even in the most remote corners of the UK – can access the services they need. This is space delivering for people and powering our future economy.”

Satellite and space technology have been selected as core areas for the UK to strengthen its capabilities in as part of the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

The strategy specifically names satellite communications, position, navigation and timing, in-orbit servicing and manufacturing, space domain awareness and space data for Earth applications as priorities within space tech.

“Space technology and especially satellites, are essential to our daily lives. From the sat nav in your car to your mobile phone, from weather forecasts to your online banking – space is where it all happens,” said Space Minister Liz Lloyd.

“By backing our UK sector, we’re not only cementing our position as a European space leader – we’re creating high-skilled jobs, attracting investment, and ensuring space technologies can connect communities to the space-enabled services they need.”