The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence
and Security Accelerator (DASA) are pleased to announce that six
innovators have shared £1.6 million in funding to develop
technologies for the space domain.
The funding was achieved as a result of Space to Innovate Campaign
– Charlie Drop which invited innovators to submit their
innovative technologies and solutions to help overcome the
following challenge areas:
- Challenge Area 1: Novel ways to achieve fine resolution
collection for intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance
(ISR)
- Challenge Area 2: Technologies and techniques to alert,
protect and defend satellites
- Challenge Area 3: Satellite and ground segment technologies
for future Defence and Security operations
Major General Paul Tedman, Commander, UK Space Command,
said:
As space becomes increasingly contested and congested, the
ability to harness novel technologies to ensure freedom of action
is essential. We will continue to work with our partners in
industry, DASA, Dstl to seize and maintain the competitive edge
in space.
Athos Ritsperis, Dstl Space Systems Programme Manager,
said:
Accelerating the development of these technologies could
contribute to the development of future operational concepts in
support of the Defence Space Strategy. We look forward to working
with all the contracted suppliers.
Out of this world
The six projects that have been awarded Space to Innovate
Campaign – Charlie Drop funding are:
Nottingham Scientific Ltd - GMV NSL Limited
This project aims to develop an automated system for the
identification of unattributed radio transmission and for the
prediction of the orbit of their source.
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited
This project aims to develop a fully deployable telescope for
high resolution Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
(ISR) from Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
Spectra Defence Limited
This project aims to develop an innovation that allows for high
resolution remote imaging and characterisation of unknown objects
approaching high value satellites in Geostationary orbits.
Super-Sharp Space Systems Ltd
This project aims to develop a control system to enable the
self-alignment of large space telescopes.
University of Liverpool
This project aims to develop large area antenna systems that can
be stowed via origami folding and a novel deployment mechanism
for utilisation in low-Earth orbit (LEO).
QinetiQ Ltd Farnborough
This project aims to dramatically improve the ability to sense
small objects that are largely invisible to our current sensing
capability and yet pose a significant threat to the operation of
space assets.
What is the Space to Innovate Campaign?
The space domain, which includes satellites and space-based
services, is vital to modern life, enabling a range of civilian
and military activities. Any form of disturbance to UK space
capabilities, whether that is natural or intentional, can cause a
severe disruption to UK prosperity.
The Space to Innovate Campaign seeks proposals that can maintain
the UK's freedom of action in the space domain by developing
future space technologies that enhance and protect space military
and civil potential.
What happened in the Space to Innovate Campaign – Alpha
and Bravo Drop competitions?
The Space to Innovate Campaign – Charlie Drop follows on from the
Alpha Drop, and Bravo drops where over £3.6 million worth of
contracts were awarded altogether.
Read more about it here: £1 million in contracts
awarded to enhance the UK's space capabilities
