New collaborations could bring space jobs boost

International space-related projects on topics such as robotics, disaster relief and orbital debris could benefit from £5m of new government funding.

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) will use the National Space Innovation Programme to fund innovative technologies and services being developed in ‘pioneering’ international collaborations.

Funding between £250,000 and £2.5m will be available for projects supporting UK trade, science and security, in collaboration with teams in other ‘major space players’ such as Australia, France, Japan and the US.

“The UK’s space sector is playing a critical role in tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges - from monitoring climate change to providing vital relief for countries affected by natural disasters,” said science minister Amanda Solloway.

“Today’s funding will provide the UK’s leading space scientists and researchers with an international platform to continue fulfilling the incredible potential of space technology, working collaboratively with our global partners, while boosting UK space exports and creating skilled jobs.”

Potential projects cover a huge range of activities, from tackling space debris with new monitoring technologies, to using Earth observation satellites to track climate change or aid disaster relief.

“This funding is an important step to growing the UK space sector’s influence on the global stage,” said Alice Bunn, international director at the UKSA. “There are over 100 space-faring nations across the world now, many of which are looking to collaborate with the UK. This funding enables us to seize those opportunities and develop them, creating high-skilled jobs and boosting our economy.”

The UK space sector has grown 60% since 2010. It supports £300bn of UK and economic activity through the use of satellite services, and employs more than 40,000 people.

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