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The UK Space Agency announces funding

The UK Space Agency is inviting local development bodies to bid for funding of up to £100,000 to help put space at the heart of local economies to support economic development, and next generation space missions

The £600,000 Regional Space Development fund launched today aims to accelerate the development of a thriving, resilient and well-connected space ecosystem across the UK.

The fund will support the space sector at a local level by supporting the recruitment of Space Cluster Development Managers and pump-priming activities that create jobs and growth.

Dr Colin Baldwin, Head of Local Growth Strategy at the UK Space Agency said:

“Our cities, towns and rural areas all have competitive advantages essential to shaping our economy – and the space sector will be a key driver of future growth across the UK.”

This funding will strengthen innovative companies and agencies in all corners of the country, helping the UK to achieve its ambitions in space and realise its potential on Earth.

Local economic development bodies are encouraged to act as the lead applicant. However, applications from UK Higher Education Institutions, other research organisations, and industry will also be considered.

The deadline for applications to the Regional Space Development fund is midday on 20 September 2021.

Companies and research organisations are invited to apply for funding to develop technologies that could support the next generation of space science missions.

The joint funding call, which opens today from the UK Space Agency and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), will facilitate and encourage collaboration between industry and academia, and support new entrants to the space sector.

The £375,000 Technology for Space Science fund will boost technology that will support the exploration of our universe through space-based astronomy, cosmology, solar system science and astrophysics.

Proposals could include ideas to:

  • Develop and advance the understanding and realisation of technologies and skills relevant to new space science missions.
  • Support paper-based studies including modelling, proof of concept, potential hardware and engineering developments, and data processing.
  • Establish new academic/industrial research collaborations and feasibility studies.

Charles McCausland, Head of Major Projects and Technology Development, UK Space Agency, said:

“The UK has been at the forefront of some of the most influential space missions of recent times – and we want to build on that. This funding will provide pioneering minds with the support they need to develop cutting-edge technology that will help advance the UK a global leader in space science.”

Dr Colin Vincent, Associate Director Astronomy within STFC’s Programmes Directorate, said:

“STFC is committed to supporting new technologies to ensure the UK is leading innovations essential to future science missions in space. We are delighted to partner with the UK Space Agency in this scheme and look forward to the exciting ideas and partnerships it will generate.”

From supplying components for planetary orbiters to developing game-changing equipment to aid research in space, the UK space sector plays an important part in global space science, allowing us to discover more about our solar system and its formation.

The deadline for applications to the Technology for Space Science fund is midday 23 September 2021 and organisations can bid for up to £50,000.