The UK Space Agency is providing up to £1 million for
organisations to come up with smart solutions to this
problem by using cost effective ways to monitor objects
in low Earth Orbit, or applying artificial intelligence
to make better use of existing orbital data.
Tracking debris allows satellite operators to predict
possible collisions so that they can manoeuvre them out
of harm’s way. One collision could create thousands of
small, fast-moving fragments which can damage the
satellites that provide everyday services such as
communications, weather forecasting or satellite
navigation.
Science Minister said:
From artificial intelligence to advanced tracking
systems, the UK space industry is leading the way in
developing ground-breaking solutions to worldwide
problems.
Today’s funding will enable businesses to develop
cutting-edge innovations to combat the growing amount
of space debris orbiting the Earth – helping protect
vital services like communications, weather
forecasting and satellite navigation.
The UK is committed to the international effort to
clean up space debris as the largest investor in space
safety for the European Space Agency, including a
substantial £10 million commitment to the ADRIOS
(Active Debris Removal/In orbit servicing) programme.
Later this year, Harwell, Oxfordshire, will host the
operations centre for the ELSA-d satellite clean-up and
decommissioning programme led by Astroscale.
Dr Alice Bunn, International Director, UK Space Agency,
said:
We want the UK to be at the forefront of a new era of
space where we continue to push boundaries while
ensuring the growth is sustainable for all.
Space debris is a global problem and this funding
will enable UK companies to develop new methods to
help tackle the issue. Growing our space surveillance
and tracking capabilities will be crucial for UK
space businesses to innovate safely and sustainably
in the future.
The new funding is part of the UK Space Agency’s plans
to grow its national space surveillance and tracking
(SST) capability and, working with international
partners, become a global leader in space
sustainability.
Organisations will be able to bid for a maximum grant
award of £250,000, out of a £1 million funding pot.
Space surveillance and tracking is a growing
international market, forecast to potentially reach
over £100 million by 2035. With the demand for
SST increasing, this provides an opportunity for the UK
space industry to take a leading role in the sector.
The UK Space Agency is leading work across government
to develop a comprehensive UK Space Strategy and to
launch a new National Space Innovation Programme, which
will fund transformative technologies and generate
high-skilled jobs across the country.
