UK announces funding for new 6G satellites and other space projects
The UK Space Agency has announced several new projects as part of the government’s new industrial strategy.
Space and satellite services are now estimated to support wider industrial activities worth £454 billion to the economy, or 18% of GDP. This is an increase of £90 billion on the previous year.
The government has identified satellite communications as one of five national space capability priorities, and the UK Space Agency has awarded four new projects £4.5 million to push the boundaries of satellite-based 5G and 6G systems.
- Among these, MDA Space UK’s SkyPhi mission aims to deliver 5G and 6G connectivity capabilities directly to devices via low Earth orbit satellites.
- Orbit Fab’s Radical project is focused on developing in-orbit refuelling systems for telecommunications satellites.
- SSTL’s lunar communications system will enable deep-space communications capabilities.
- Viasat’s hybrid GEO-LEO network is designed to provide global 5G Direct-to-Device coverage.
These new projects aim to enhance satellite performance, reduce infrastructure costs, and position the UK at the forefront of next-gen connectivity, the space agency said.
An additional £1.6 million will go to the UK’s space cluster network to stimulate innovation and economic growth. This funding will enable space clusters to collaborate in areas of shared capability, supporting space companies to forge stronger local partnerships and take advantage of expertise across the whole of the UK, supporting future growth.
With more than 55,000 people employed by the space sector across the UK, and a further 81,000 jobs in the supply chain, there is significant potential for the sector to drive economic progress across the country.
“The innovations on display at the UK Space Conference demonstrate our strengths in key technologies that will shape Britain’s future, from seamless connectivity and data services to advanced manufacturing and launch,” said Space and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant.
“With satellite technologies supporting more than £450 billion in annual economic activity, and crucial to climate monitoring and national security, it’s vital that we are coordinating right across government to unlock space’s incredible potential. We’re committed to working closely with this vibrant sector to accelerate our Plan for Change,” he said.
