{"id":29855,"date":"2023-02-14T10:20:39","date_gmt":"2023-02-14T10:20:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=29855"},"modified":"2023-02-14T10:20:39","modified_gmt":"2023-02-14T10:20:39","slug":"lift-off-for-uk-space-projects-with-6-5m-levelling-up-funding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/lift-off-for-uk-space-projects-with-6-5m-levelling-up-funding\/29855\/","title":{"rendered":"Lift off for UK space projects with \u00a36.5m levelling-up funding"},"content":{"rendered":"
The funding will stimulate growth in the UK space sector by supporting high-impact, locally-led schemes and space cluster development managers. The 18 projects will pioneer a range of innovative space technologies to combat local issues, such as utilising Earth Observation (EO)<\/a> data to enhance public services.<\/p>\n Michelle Donelan, the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, commented: \u201c<\/em>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.<\/p>\n \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The chosen space projects are focused on piloting local activity that can be scaled up and implemented nationally. The projects will also be supported by the Satellite Applications Catapult \u2013 the UK Space Agency\u2019s delivery partner.<\/p>\n \u00a3600,000 of the funding will be provided to ten UK space clusters this month, with part of the funding supporting local areas in appointing space cluster managers that will collaborate with local government, businesses, and academia to cultivate investments and coordinate space activity.<\/p>\n These clusters will supplement the Harwell Space Cluster in Oxfordshire, an industry-leading hub home to over 100 space organisations and employing more than 1,400 people.<\/p>\n Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: \u201cEstablishing a network of space clusters and high-impact projects will accelerate the development of the thriving space ecosystem the UK needs to realise the full economic potential of space across the UK.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Additionally, the UK Space Agency has allocated \u00a31.5m for an expert consortium of business support providers, led by Entrepreneurial Spark<\/a>,\u00a0to work with UK entrepreneurs to trigger their involvement in the space industry.<\/p>\n An earlier space start-ups initiative between the UK Space Agency and Entrepreneurial Spark yielded around \u00a39m in investment and created 80 new jobs.<\/p>\n STFC RAL Space\u2019s Chilbolton Advanced Satellite Tracking Radar project has been awarded \u00a3485,000. This radar can detect objects the size of a toaster at an altitude of 1,000km and is one of three national sensors that track space objects. The investment will help to provide upgrades, improving reliability and robustness.<\/p>\n ADS Northern Ireland\u202fhas been awarded \u00a3495,000\u00a0to run a pilot programme for space supply chain SMEs in Northern Ireland to help them connect with large companies and use novel solutions to solve their technology challenges.<\/p>\nHow will the funding grow the UK space sector?<\/h3>\n
What projects have been selected?<\/h3>\n