Derby among twenty national space projects to share £33 million funding

Rolls Royce micro reactor promotional video
Rolls Royce's micro reactors promotional video Credit: YouTube/Rolls Royce

Space exploration work in Derby is among twenty national space projects getting a share of a £33 million fund.

The Government has announced more than 20 national space projects.

All are from the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme, and eight will receive £24 million of the total amount.

These include support for Rolls-Royce in Derby to develop micro reactors to support space exploration.

There's also funding and backing for:

  • a sub-orbital rocket test by Glasgow-based HyImpulse from the SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland

  • Cambridge University spin-out SuperSharp to develop and launch a heat-detecting telescope to gather data to help tackle the climate crisis

  • Lunasa in Harwell in Oxfordshire to build and test technology to help satellites safely dock with one another

  • Orbit Fab in Harwell to develop a solution for satellite refuelling

  • Wayland Additive in Huddersfield to develop an electronic propulsion system

Announcing the funding on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, Science Secretary 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 £33 million investment in these projects highlights the huge potential of the UK’s space industry, especially as we collaborate with international partners.”

An additional 15 so-called kick-starter projects will receive £9 million between them.

These will support technologies and applications that are in an earlier stage of development.

UK Space Agency chief executive Dr Paul Bate said:

“These new projects will help kick-start 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.”