Levelling-up boost for the UK space sector with new funding for growth

Eighteen projects aimed at boosting the space sector across the UK are to receive funding from the UK Space Agency.

The £6.5m includes support for high impact, locally led schemes and space cluster development managers to help the space sector grow across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

One project will explore the potential for a space observatory and planetarium to be established in Snowdonia, taking advantage of the area being part of the most extensive dark skies reserve in the UK. Another will look at how space technology could be used to tackle water leakage and monitor coastal erosion and stability in Cornwall.

The projects will harness space-enabled technology to address local priorities, such as using Earth Observation data to improve local public services and help innovative engineering companies access the UK’s growing space markets.

Secretary of state for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Michelle Donelan, said: “These projects will tap into the wealth of talent found in places like Cornwall and the east Midlands, as well as across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, while using space and satellite technology to support local communities.

“This funding will help link local clusters to valuable networks of innovators and investors, showcasing the strengths of the UK space sector to international investors and levelling up the economy.”

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “We’ve been working with the regions to understand their strengths and the needs of their local space economies so that we can back these clusters of excellence to collaborate, grow and thrive.”

Part of this funding will support local areas to appoint space cluster managers, individuals who will work with local government, businesses, and academia to coordinate space activity and encourage collaboration and inward investment.

These clusters will complement the world leading Harwell space cluster, in Oxfordshire, which is home to more than 100 space organisations, employing over 1,400 people.

Stuart Martin, chief executive officer at the Satellite Applications Catapult said: “We have a long-standing commitment to driving the growth of the UK space sector at a regional level and are delighted to continue our support for the delivery of this investment, with our focus on building a coherent space community.

“This additional funding will help cement relationships across the UK’s space community while forging new collaborations with those not yet utilising and benefiting from space data and technology. We look forward to ensuring that the sector as a whole takes advantage of the opportunities presented through these locally led initiatives and supporting a connected and thriving ecosystem.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily