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26 proposals were submitted in response to the
call
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Proposals came from spaceports all over the UK, working
with vehicle operators from the UK, other European nations and
the US
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Multiple proposals have been recommended for further
consideration, to ensure any grant funding delivers the best
outcome for the UK
The number of responses for government funding to support UK
spaceflight has highlighted a strong interest in the UK
commercial market for small satellite launch and sub-orbital
flight. The UK Space Agency’s call for grant proposals to
establish initial launch capability in the UK has now concluded,
with a number of options being recommended for consideration.
In total 26 proposals were submitted to the call process,
representing potential spaceports all over the UK and a range of
launch and sub-orbital fight technologies. These were assessed by
a panel of independent experts drawn from academia, industry and
government. The panel looked at a range of criteria including
technical feasibility, commercial sustainability and benefits to
the UK.
Ross James, Deputy CEO of the UK Space Agency, said:
“The fact several proposals have been recommended for
consideration reflects the exceptional strength of the field, and
the high level of interest in LaunchUK. The funding requested
exceeded £10 million, and we believe there may be a case for
awarding a number of grants to establish the UK’s first spaceport
and launch capabilities. We will now enter into dialogue with the
relevant parties to ensure we are getting the best outcome for
the UK.”
This is just the start of this exciting new endeavour in the UK,
with further opportunities to be a part of the new market for
those that missed out on the call. The UK Space Agency will
continue to engage with organisations looking to participate in
commercial small satellite launch and sub-orbital flight in the
UK. Ross James added:
“This funding call is about establishing initial capability in
the UK, but our wider ambition remains to grow a strong market,
making the UK the best destination in Europe to participate in
small satellite launch and sub-orbital flight.
“The proposals we received demonstrated an exciting future of new
launch technologies and services. We will continue to engage with
all organisations that wish to enter the UK market. We will be
holding a second LaunchUK event later this year to bring together
this community, and discuss our plans going forward in more
detail.”
Final announcements about any awards of grant funding are
expected later in this financial year.
