Guidance

Previously Funded Projects

Published 10 October 2022

This guidance was withdrawn on 10 October 2022

This programme has now closed.

1. Previously Funded Projects

The National Space Technology Programme (NSTP) has closed with our funded projects listed below. Funding was offered through four funding types across themes identified in the National Space Technology Strategy: Access to Space; Sensing; Positioning, Navigation and Timing; Exploration and Robotics and Telecommunications. Grants were also offered in collaboration with other UK Space Agency teams.

2. Funding Types:

2.1 Grants for Exploratory Ideas (GEI)

Mini studies to support innovative space technology activities. They have a maximum grant value of £15,000 and a maximum 3 months duration. Example activities include: early TRL innovation, new technology concepts, knowledge transfer, skills development, refining an idea, undertaking a market survey or proof of concept.

2.2 Pathfinder

Pathfinder projects have a maximum grant value of £75,000 and a 6 month maximum duration. The projects are highly innovative and have strong enabling potential for future space activities. Projects may develop instrumentation for commercial applications and often introduce technologies that offer ‘disruptive’ or enabling potential to existing concepts. Collaborative activities are strongly encouraged.

2.3 Fast track

Fast Track projects accelerate the development of scientific or commercial technologies for space. Projects have a maximum grant value of £200,000 and have a 12 month maximum duration. Collaborative activities are strongly encouraged. Projects include, feasibility studies, experimental development and industrial research.

2.4 Flagship

Flagship projects take approximately 2 years, and may receive a grant of up to £1 million. They develop technologies to a high TRL (typically 5 or above), offer a significant commercial opportunity and have a clear exploitation route to market.

3. NSTP 4 GEI Call (2021-2022)

Induction Heated Nitrous Oxide Monopropellant Thruster/Igniter – Newton Launch Systems

LNG Propellant Investigation – Lena Space

Combined Advanced-Closed-Loop Life Support System and ISRU for Martian Atmospheric Processing – MAC SciTech

Electric Drive Propellant Pump Investigation – Lena Space

LAISEE (Laser/heavy Ion validation of SEREEL2) - Radtest

Miniature Capacitive Radio Frequency Thruster – University of Southampton

UK High Temperature Superconductor Space Experiment – Rocket Engineering

Electroformed Waveguide Prototype for OSS - Ultima Forma

Ultra-precise, ultra-low SWaP thermal controllers for quantum technologies in space. – Twin Paradox

Biofluidics upgrade to the BAMMsat bio-CubeSat payload – Cranfield University

High Performance On-Board Computer with AI and SDR Features for Small-Sized Satellites - University of Northumbria at Newcastle

VHR SAR and ML wind fields for Floating Offshore Wind – 4 Earth Intelligence

Quantum Magnetometry for Space - Science and Technology Facilities Council as part of United Kingdom Research and Innovation

Performance Enhancement for Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion – Cranfield University

Feasibility Study for A Lunar Radiator Dust Mitigation Mechanism – ESR Technology

4. NSTP4 joint project with UK Space Agency Local Growth team funding Business Incubators (2021 – 2022)

Agtelligence MVP, Discovery and Design – Agtelligence

A simple solution to global space traffic management: ubiquitous retroreflectors – Lumi Space

Feasibility study of VR teleoperation for applications in Low Earth Orbit – Extend Robotics

Technology and market feasibility studies on end-of-life de-orbit and debris mitigation for scalable, cost-effective drag sail technology – Frontier Space Technologies

Advancement of ODIN orbital debris risk management software – Odin Space

5. NSTP4 Technology for Space Science Call (2021 – 2022)

A technology roadmap for astrophysical X-ray interferometry – University of Leicester

Rb-TP: A Rubidium atomic clock for tests of fundamental physics – Twin Paradox

Feasibility Study of a Moon-enabled Sun Occultation Mission – Surrey space Centre – University of Surrey

Integral Field Units: the next generation of space-based solar instrumentation – Queen’s University Belfast

GaiaNIR:UK – capacity building and feasibility study for next generation astrometry – University of Cambridge

Improved control loop for a miniaturised space weather magnetometer - ICL

Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis to fit spectroscopy data from remote and in situ analysis of planetary surfaces: A proof-of-concept assessment – The Open University

Optical Coatings by the ContinUous Processing of Large ARea Parts using Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (“OCULAR”) – Keronite International

Ultrasonically assisted augers – University of Glasgow

Miniaturization of high-precision radio receivers for cosmological observations of the Dark Ages from cost-effective space platforms on Moon’s orbit – University of Cambridge

6. NSTP4 joint project with UK Space Agency Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) (2021 – 2022)

Hyperspectral Imager for Space Surveillance and Tracking (HyperSST) – University of Strathclyde

Mission analysis and design tool for multiple active debris removal – Glasgow University

Artificial Intelligence for Space Surveillance and Tracking (AI4SST) – University of Strathclyde

Extended Exploration of Census Program – D Orbit

Breaking up is never easy: Fast determination of satellite re-entry and fragmentation – University of Strathclyde

Advancement of UK capabilities to identify the attitude state of resident space objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) - Astroscale

Supermagdrive ADR – Rocket Engineering

Plasma thruster based Automated Deorbiting-Block system (PAD-B) - Magdrive

The Great Eye: AI-based Space, Surveillance and Tracking (SST) Tool – Oxford Dynamics

Optimised Observations and Machine Learning for Space Safety – Cranfield University

Advancement of UK Capabilities in Satellite LaserRanging – Lumi Space

Space Tracking, Awareness & Reconnaissance (STAR) - SSTL

Future Tracking of Satellites & Launcher Stages (FTSLS) – UK Launch Services Ltd

PAssive raNging anD ORbitogrAphy for megaconstellations for STM – PANDORA – GMV NSL

ODIN detector TRL Advancement – Odin Space

7. NSTP3 Pathfinder Call 3 (2020-2021)

SuperMagdrive - Rocket Engineering

UK LANDFILL - Spottitt

Modular Propulsion Engine (MPE) Design Programme - Lena Space

FS-85 Nb-alloy Additive Manufacture and Iridium coating (NbAMIC) – Archer Technicoat

Advanced manufacturing techniques for supra-terahertz optical components – The University of Leeds

8. NSTP3 Flagship Call (2019-2021)

AQUAJET I XJET I NJET – Added Value Solutions UK

Super-High Temperature Resistojets for All-Electric Telecommunication Satellites (STAR) – University of Southampton

Innovative Small Satellite Radar Payload Development – Oxford Space Systems

9. NSTP3 Fast Track Call 2 (2019-2020)

Low-Cost, Export-Free Power Solutions to Enable Satellite-Based Internet of Things Avionics – Spacechips

CAPEBEST – Critical Asset Protection Enabled By Emerging Space Technology – e2E Services

High-precision terahertz-frequency QCL local oscillators – University of Leeds

Iridium Coatings to Extend Endurance of Columbium Rocket Engines – Archer Technicoat

Net Shape Complex Metal Joints for Space Systems - TISICS

FSI Grid Plate Separator – NPL Management

Deployable Optics – Surrey Satellite Technology

Development of a 150w-Class Ring Cusp Gridded Ion Engine – Mars Space

Enabling Space Operations Scalability – Bright Ascension

Integrated Microwave Propulsion Architecture for Telecommunication Satellites Phase-2 (IMPULSE-II) – University of Southampton

System Integration & Testing of a CubeSat WCP QKD Payload to TRL5 – Craft Prospect

AQUARIUS: A project to study flexible water electrolysis propulsion systems for spacecraft Prime platforms – AVS UK

Development of a heaterless hollow cathode for space propulsion applications – University of Southampton

10. NSTP3 GEI Call 2 (2019-2020)

Database of Land Cover Classification locations to speed up the training of automated Machine Learning solutions using satellite data – Pixalytics

Compact Thermal Shutter – Northern Space and Security

Feasibility of a UK Space Surveillance and Tracking Radar – SpaceMech

Development of steerable chemical thruster modules for accurate in-orbit proximity operations – Lift Me Off

Development of a green chemical propellant tank with fine CoG control for Cubesat Application – Lift Me Off

Vibration Sensor Development – Lena Space

Feasibility of Failsafe Deorbiting System using a Thin-layer Vacuum Arc Thruster – University of Southampton

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for EO Quality Control – Telespazio VEGA UK

Fusion Drive - Rocket Engineering

Industrial Research of UK LEO Optical Space Surveillance and Tracking Processing – Northern Space and Security

Oil field fibre-optic sensing technology for space deployment – Rushton Electronics

Microwave Heating Demonstrator – The Open University

11. NSTP3 joint project with UK Space Agency Local Growth team funding Business Incubators (2019 – 2020)

Incubation Project – SoXSA University of Strathclyde

Seraphim Space Camp, Mission 4 - Seraphim

OI Space Incubator 2.0 – Oxford Innovation

Westcott Space Cluster BIC – Westcott Space Cluster

12. NSTP3 joint project with UK Space Agency Space for Smarter Government team and the Welsh Government

Demonstration of satellite-enabled drones in beyond visual line-of-sight operations as a proof-of-concept to support remote healthcare networks – Snowdonia Aerospace

Bonded satellite and cellular communications to support health and social care in rural Wales – Tactical Wireless

13. NSTP3 joint project with the UK Space Agency’s Exploration and Robotics Programme (2019 – 2020)

Tube Hunter Proof of Concept – SCISYS UK

Preparation for a parabolic flight campaign to test the feasibility of using a novel supine jump sled as an exercise countermeasure in microgravity – St Mary’s University

Technology development for Lunar Thermal Mapper – Oxford University

14. NSTP3 Pathfinder Call 2 (2018-2019)

Development of Cost Effective Cryogenic Propellant Tanks - Geodome

Drag Sail Dynamics: From Deployment to Demise – Belstead Research

Mars Dust Removal System – Magna Parva

LOCALS: Low Cost Approaches to Launch range Safety – UK Launch Services

AM Injector Head Development – Lena Space

Frequency Scanned Antenna – Airbus Defence and Space

Project Lambda: An industrial collaboration to enable the application of new alloys to additively manufactured rocket engines – Airborne Engineering

Immersive space science and engineering data visualisation in mixed and virtual reality – University of Southampton

Vast Satcom Antenna – Airbus Defence and Space

Development of a Novel Laser Steering Mechanism (NLSM) – University of Surrey

Resistojet Thruster RT-01 – Lyonspace

Prometheus - A low cost scalable thermoelectric generator for Space applications – EU Eco Technologies

MiniTANK – The University of Sheffield (USFD)

Structured Light Lidar – Neptec UK

Thrust Balance – Added Value Solutions UK

Project Lambda: An industrial collaboration to enable the application of new alloys to additively manufactured rocket engines – Airborne Engineering

High Voltage Unit for the Electrospray Thruster of Southampton University – Added Value Solutions UK

CubeSat Camera: Imaging Sensor Testing – STFC RAL Space

TrackerCam: Technology development of a light-field video system for motion tracking in robotics, exploration and science – Dynamic Imaging Analytics

Development of an Innovative Dry Neutraliser for Low Power Ion Engines – Mars Space

Additive manufacturing of CubeSat mirrors - Science and Technologies Research Council as part of United Kingdom Research and Innovation

Radiation Hard Space Power Sheets- University of Cambridge

15. NSTP3 GEI Call 1 (2017-2018)

NLSM (Novel Laser Steering Mechanism) - SpaceMech

Proof of Concept Study on the use of Clean Rocket Plumes for Re-entry Demisability Testing – Belstead Research

A Thermoelectric Power Source on a Chip – EU ECO Technologies

Evaluating graphene-enhanced materials for space-based structural applications – University of Central Lancashire

Small thermal vacuum chamber for low cost testing of spacecraft components – Oxford Brookes University

B2Space “Colibri” Launcher – UK Operations safety demonstration – B2Space

Mini-MET – Miniaturisation of a microwave electrothermal thruster – Added Value Solutions

In-orbit spacecraft health monitoring: Low-cost MEMS-based vibro-acoustic measurement of in-orbit spacecraft – Cranfield University

SUPER-SHARP – University of Cambridge

Research via Space-based High Angular Resolution Photography – Spincraft ETG

Microgravity & Space Environment (MSE) End-to-End Services – Market Assessment – Telespazio VEGA UK

Short and Long term prediction of atmospheric attenuation for the design and operation of adaptive Fade Mitigation Techniques of High Throughput Satellite Systems (PREATT) – RAL Space – STFC

Mechanical design of a Universal Payload Carrier – In-Space Missions

Hybrid Propellant Delivery System (PDS) Development- Lena Space

An alternative material for radiation detectors – Cranfield University

A space recycling plant to reduce orbital debris – University of the West of England

Space Balloon Programme for Educational Outreach – Europeam Astrotech

Research into the application of a specialist coating to aluminium rocket engines – Astrotech

NLSM (Novel Laser Steering Mechanism) - SpaceMech

Proof of Concept Study on the use of Clean Rocket Plumes for Re-entry Demisability Testing – Blestead Researchj

A Thermoelectric Power Source on a Chip – EU ECO Technologies

Evaluating graphene-enhanced materials for space-based structural applications – University of Central Lancashire

Small thermal vacuum chamber for low cost testing of spacecraft components – Oxford Brookes University

16. NSTP3 Fast Track Call (2017-2018)

Omnisat Backplane Development – Thales Alenia Space UK

The Development of Advanced Composite Materials for Use in Non-Metallic Liquid and Gas Propellant Storage Tank Applications – Haydale Composite Solutions

TDI CMOS Capability Development – Teledyne e2V (UK)

Photonic SAR study – Airbus Defence and Space

Development of an optical fibre injector for LISA – University of Glasgow

Scalable On Board Data Handling Architecture for Nano and Microsatellites – University of Surrey

Cost-Effective Micro-Vibration isolation for S/C with High Stability Requirements – University of Surrey

Smart tanks for space – TRL raising and validation – Atout Process

FSW & Spin-forming Modern Propellant Tanks – Horizon Space Technologies

HTP Turbopump Development - Lena Space

Packaging Superconducting Detectors, Sensors and Electronics for Space Applications – University of Cambridge

Methera System Feasibility – Methera Global Communications

AQUAJET – Added Value Solutions UK

Halo Thruster 200 Development – Surrey Satellite Technology

3-D Printed Millimetre-wave Components for Guided-wave and Quasi-optical Systems for Spacecraft Payloads – National Physical Laboratory

Light-field photography: Technology development of bespoke multispectral optics for Earth, lunar and planetary observations – Dynamic Imaging Analytics

Critical assessment of the production and performance of a large format SWIR avalanche photodiode array – Leonardo MW

General Purpose Avionics Computing Platform for Small Satellite Launch Vehicle & Other Applications – Orbital Express Launch

Compact fibre-based optical oscillator for ground and space applications – National Physical Laboratory

Quantum Research CubeSat – University of Strathclyde

Integrated Microwave Propulsion Architecture for Telecommunications Satellite (IMPULSE) – University of Southampton

Space IR Camera Flight Design – Neptec UK

17. NSTP3 Pathfinder Call 1 (2017)

Low Cost Stepper Motor Gearbox (SMG) – Reliance Precision

Towards a Genuine Engineering Design-for-Demise Tool – Belstead Research

Additive manufacturing of space-based optics- STFC UK Astronomy Technology Centre

Nanosatellite Telecommunications: A market and system study for Machine-to-Machine applications – Clyde Space

NREP AstroTube™ Max Boom Industrial Research – Oxford Space Systems

Development of Cost Effective Cryogenic Propellant Tanks - Geodome

Review and gap analysis of UK space sector technology base identifying routes to

exploitation and growth via in-orbit demonstration and services – In-Space Missions

Advanced real time flow Diagnosis of Rocket Engine Combustion (ADREC) – Kingston University

Physics-based Modelling and Simulation of Spaceplanes Nonequilibrium Aerodynamics – University of Strathclyde

A Beam Induced Fluorescence Diagnostic Device for Electric Propulsion Thrusters – Added Value Solutions UK

Development of a mintuarised multi-spectral thermal infrared (TIR) space imaging system for improving volcanic ash monitoring – University of Bristol

Snugs: service-based next-generation user ground segment – Catena Space

Compact Multispectral Imager for Nanosatellites – University of Strathclyde

Small scale drive electronics development – Thales Alenia Space UK

Launch Authorisation System (LAS) – Telespazio VEGA UK

Space Based Phase Change Cells for Calibration – Science Technology Facilities Council

Refractory Additive Layer Manufacturing for Commercial Space Applications (RADICAL) – University of Southampton