Harwell based Lunasa, and Orbit Fab have successfully secured a share of the £33million of funding  for major projects from the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme – designed to invest in high-potential technologies, drive innovation and unlock growth across the UK.

The funding will support Lunasa to build and test technology to help satellites safely dock with one another, while Orbit Fab will be developing a solution for satellite refuelling.

DSIT Secretary of State Peter Kyle said:

“From combatting climate change to staying connected with loved ones, space technologies play an important role in many aspects of our day to day lives. 

“But backing the growth of UK space companies is also essential for driving economic growth, boosting productivity, and creating wealth in every community. 

“Our £33m investment in these projects highlights the huge potential of the UK’s space industry, especially as we collaborate with international partners.”

An additional 15 ‘Kick Starter’ projects will also receive funding and a number of Harwell companies and research organisations have been successful in securing funding for their innovative research, including RAL Space and Magdrive.

The kick starter projects will support technologies and applications that are in an earlier stage of development and increase their readiness for use in commercial and scientific endeavours. The projects cover a wide range of space-related capabilities, from in-orbit servicing and manufacturing, as well as advanced material development and the use of satellite imagery. 

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: 

These new projects will help kickstart growth, create more high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations. They go to the heart of what we want to achieve as a national space agency that supports cutting-edge innovation, spreads opportunity across the UK and delivers the benefits of space back to citizens on Earth.

Chair of the UKspace trade association, John Hanley, said:  

This investment into the space industry demonstrates the importance of funding through a national programme to unlock innovative collaborations in all parts of the UK. We hope this will further strengthen the sector, and build upon the growth we have seen in recent years.

You can find out more about the projects here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/33-million-boost-for-national-space-programme

The Space Cluster at Harwell Campus, is one of the largest in Europe and boasts a successful scale-up and accelerator programme, ESA-BIC UK. The Harwell ESA BIC scheme which is managed by The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), has supported over 100 space-related organisations (which combined have raised over £133m) and has achieved an impressive 87% survival rate. STFC also operates the scheme across a further three sites including Space Park Leicester, Sci-Tech Daresbury in the North West and at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh.

Harwell Campus is home to over 250 organisations and 7000 people working across health, space, energy and quantum sectors to help solve some of the greatest global challenges that we face. Last year 25 new organisations moved to the campus as it makes huge strides towards expansion. The planned growth will see over 440,000 sq. ft of new laboratory and R&D space built to help foster further innovation and collaboration.