Closed opportunities: space-related R&D, innovation and education
Details on closed funding opportunities from the UK Space Agency, the space sector, academic, education and community partners.
These funding opportunities are not currently open to applicants. Find out about open opportunities on our open opportunities page.
ARTES ESA Workplan Activities: Satellite Quantum Communications Networks (ESA Workplan Activities)
Funding type: Research, innovation and development.
Who can apply: UK organisations and companies.
Funding: €800,000 with National Delegate support at up to 100% funding.
Deadline: Wednesday 23 October 2024
These are four ESA-initiated activities offering up to 100% funding for developing early technologies and innovations. Invitations To Tender (ITTs) are listed on ESA-STAR. You will need to register to access the activities.
Letters of support have already been provided by the UK delegation to ESA for the four selected ITTs.
Note: the UK Space Agency reserves the right to apply additional requirements to any supported ITT.
ARTES programme: general call for expressions of interest (EOI) in satellite communication development
Funding type: Technology development
Who can apply: UK-based companies and organisations
Funding: envelope of £10 million
Deadline: Submission of expressions of interest - midday on Friday 12 April 2024; submission of cover sheet - midday on Monday 17 June 2024
This is an open call for expressions of interest in delivering future satellite innovation under the Competitiveness and Growth call of the European Space Agency (ESA) ARTES Programme.
Find out more about the ARTES programme general call for expressions of interest (EOI) in satellite communication development
SBRI: UK National Active Debris Removal (ADR) Mission Technology Development - Phase 2
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK companies and organisations
Funding: Up to £4.7 million. Each project can total up to £2.35 million.
Deadline: 2pm on 14 June 2024.
The UK Space Agency is looking to further explore Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission concepts.
This opportunity invites applicants to submit preliminary mission designs for a national mission and derisk those designs further. This will allow the UK Space Agency to gain a comprehensive understanding of risks and costs associated with a UK Active Debris Removal mission and inform the next phase of the national mission plans.
Announcement of opportunity: Unlocking Space for Business
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK-based companies and organisations working in financial services or transport and logistics, in partnership with satellite data or service suppliers
Funding: up to £3.5 million
Deadline: 4pm BST on Wednesday 22 May 2024
Proposals are sought for innovative pilot projects, funded by the UK Space Agency’s Unlocking Space for Business programme.
Up to £3.5 million is available to trial new solutions that use satellite data and services to benefit their organisation.
Find out more and apply for Unlocking Space for Business funding
UK Space Agency-Axiom Space astronaut mission projects 2024/2025
Funding type: Research, innovation, technology development and missions
Who can apply: A range of types of UK organisations and companies
Funding: £15 million total
Deadline: For Science Experiments, the Science Case Overview must be submitted by 4pm on 4 March 2024, and full proposals must be submitted by 4pm on 29 April 2024.
For Technology Demonstrators, all information must be submitted by 4pm on 29 April 2024.
Find out more and apply for the UK Space Agency-Axiom Space astronaut mission projects 2024/2025
Announcement of opportunity: 2024 Exploration Science
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: Academics working at UK research organisations to fund studentships, post doctoral research associates (PDRA) and fellowships
Funding: Up to £500,000 for studentships and £1.5 million for standard grants
Closing dates:
- science overview deadline (for PDRA and fellowship applicants only): 4pm on Thursday 18 April 2024
- full proposal deadline (for all applicants): 4pm on Thursday 9 May 2024
Please note that to be eligible for standard grants (post doctoral research associates and fellowships) you must submit your science overview by 4pm on 18 April 2024. This does not apply to studentships.
Find out more and apply for the Exploration Science Programme 2024 funding call
C-LEO programme
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK-based companies and organisations, including academia
Funding: up to £60 million
Deadline: Midday BST on Wednesday 8 May 2024
The UK Space Agency Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme will provide up to £160 million of grant funding and contract awards over the next 4 years to UK companies and researchers to develop innovative satellite communications technology.
This first call will provide up to £60 million over the next 4 years.
Find out more and apply for the C-LEO programme
Training Programmes Fund
Funding type: Education and skills
Who can apply: Eligible organisations include academic or research institutions (including schools, universities, research councils and UK Space Agency partners), charities, trusts and companies (including not-for-profit).
Funding: £1.7 million (£250,000 - £500,000 available for each project).
Deadline: 5pm on 29 March 2024
The Space Sector Skills Survey 2023 Report highlights the key skills gaps that the UK space sector faces. The Training Programme Fund scheme is designed to address key skills gaps faced by the UK space sector, aiming to fund key training opportunities to remove barriers to the sector’s growth.
Find out more and apply for the Training Programmes Fund
Science and Exploration Bilateral Programme: Call 2
Funding type: Research, innovation and technology development
Who can apply: UK national and academic organisations eligible for UKRI grants involved in bilateral space science and exploration missions.
Funding: Up to £1 million (£300,000 to £500,000 per project)
Deadline: 11:59pm on 31 January 2024 for part 1 (SOI) of proposal
Proposals are invited for participation in bilateral space science and exploration (SS&E) missions, which are already in advanced state of discussion, but requiring funding during the current Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) period to end March 2025.
See the application page to apply.
Atmospheric ablation: the potential environmental impact of space debris re-entering Earth’s upper atmosphere
Funding type: Research, innovation and technology development
Who can apply: Organisations of any size working alone or with other organisations as sub-contractors may apply. All organisations must be registered in the UK.
Funding: Up to £300,000 will be made available
Closing date: Midday on Friday 20 January 2024
The UK Space Agency is making available up to £300,000 of grant funding to map out the current state of research into atmospheric ablation (knowns, unknowns and gaps in knowledge), within the wider technical, geopolitical and socio-ecological context, in order to develop a viable research programme with short, medium and long-term goals.
See the application page to apply.
Phase 2: UK National Delegate support for the ESA Competitiveness and Growth programme
Funding type: Research, innovation and technology development
Who can apply: Organisations proposing telecommunications projects. All organisations must be registered in the UK.
Closing date: 12pm on Monday 15 December
See the application page to apply.
SciSpacE support AO grant call - autumn 2023
Funding type: Research, innovation and technology development
Who can apply: UK based researchers who have already secured facility access to microgravity and space environments research platforms through the ESA SciSpacE Programmes Research Announcements. All organisations must be registered in the UK.
Deadline: 4pm on 14 December 2023
See the application page to apply.
SBRI: Active Debris Removal Refuelling Mission feasibility study - Phase 1
Funding type: Research, innovation and technology development
Who can apply: Organisations of any size either working alone or in collaboration with others. All organisations must be registered in the UK.
Funding: Grant funding per project is up to £500,000 per grant.
Deadline: 11am on 5 December 2023.
The aim of the competition is to undertake feasibility studies to refuel the National Active Debris Removal Mission and a commercial client/customer satellite.
See the application page to apply.
National Space Innovation Programme - Kick Starter - Open Call (Call 1)
Funding type: Research, innovation and technology development
Who can apply: A variety of organisations including academia, industry and not for profit organisations. All organisations must be registered in the UK.
Funding: Grant funding per project is expected to range from £150k to £1m per grant.
Deadline: Midday on 17 November 2023.
The UK Space Agency invites proposals for emerging and innovative technology research and development. This is in line with the National Space Strategy vision to make the UK one of the world’s most innovative and attractive space economies
See the application page to apply.
National Space Innovation Programme - Major Projects Call One (Open Call)
Funding type: Research, innovation and technology development
Who can apply: A variety of organisations including academia, industry and not for profit organisations. All organisations must be registered in the UK.
Funding: Grant funding per project is expected to range from £1 million to £5 million per grant.
Deadline: Midday on 17 November 2023.
The UK Space Agency invites proposals for emerging and innovative technology research and development under its National Space Innovation Programme. This call is for NSIP Major Projects funding.
See the application page to apply.
Space Cluster Partnership funding call 2023
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: Space Clusters or other organisations that represent or lead a defined geographic area of space activity. All bids must include at least two that represent at different UK national, regional, or local space sectors.
Funding amount: Grant funding per project is expected to range from £50k to £100k.
Deadline: 6pm on 3 November 2023.
The UK Space Agency invites proposals to its funding call that will provide grant funding to strengthen the UK’s national space ecosystem and grow the space sector by:
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Enabling local space sectors across the UK to develop stronger relationships with geographically-adjacent nations or regions.
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Strengthening ties between the space sectors of multiple regions and/or nations of the UK by facilitating collaboration to develop and/or enhance common or complementary capabilities.
See the application page to apply.
ARTES: Competitiveness and Growth – General Call
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency approval required)
Funding: All projects are subject to the usual European Space Agency (ESA) rules surrounding matched funding
Deadline: 12:00 pm on Tuesday 31 October 2023
This is an industry-led programme offering matched funding for the development of commercial satellite communications technology solutions and innovations.
Companies will need to apply to the UK Space Agency for approval before they submit their application to ESA.
See the UK National Delegate support for the ESA Competitiveness and Growth programme page for Expression of Interest Form and Form Guidance to find out how to apply
Space for All Fund 2023
Funding type: Education and skills
Who can apply: Eligible organisations include academic or research institutions (including schools, universities, research councils and UK Space Agency partners), charities, trusts and companies (including not-for-profit).
Funding: £500,000 (£50,000 - £100,000 available for each project).
Deadline: 5pm on 27 October 2023
The UK Space Agency is making £500,000 available under its Space for All Fund. The Fund aims to develop new ways to reach young people from all backgrounds and encourage them to pursue STEM education by using the exciting and inspiring context of space.
See the application page to apply.
Enabling Technologies Programme - Call Four
Funding type: Research, innovation and technology development
Who can apply: Organisations including academia, industry and (not for profit) government research institutes. Organisations must be registered in the UK.
Funding: Grant funding per project is expected to range from £100k to £250k per grant. There is not currently a fixed total amount for the call.
Deadline: Midday on 10 October 2023
The UK Space Agency invites proposals for the Enabling Technologies Programme (Open Call for Technology) Call Four for emerging and innovative technology research and development.
Proposals are sought for projects in areas including innovation; innovative technology proof of concept that could result in a significant technological step-change; new technology developments; establishing new academic/industrial research collaborations and feasibility studies targeting emerging disruptive technologies.
See the application page to apply.
ARTES: UK National Delegate Support for the “Aerial Connectivity” Call
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: UK Industry and Academia
Total Funding Amount: £20,000,000, no upper or lower limit for individual projects
Funding Criteria: All projects are subject to the usual European Space Agency (ESA) rules surrounding matched funding
EOI Deadline: 11am on 1 September 2023
The UK Space Agency is running a new Call for Applications under the ARTES Telecoms programme, titled “Aerial Connectivity.” We are inviting applications from UK companies who are looking for support to develop future telecommunications technologies and aerial connectivity projects in the fields of HAPS (High-Altitude Platforms), HALE (High-Altitude Long Endurance) and Drones.
See the application page to apply.
Space Exploration Advisory Committee Call for Membership Nominations 2023
Who can apply: Academics and early careers researchers
Deadline: 4pm on Monday 31 July 2023
The UK Space Agency seeks nominations for membership of its Space Exploration Advisory Committee (SEAC). The SEAC is responsible for advising the Agency on matters relating to robotic and human space exploration programmes.
See the guidance page for details on how to apply.
ARTES ESA Workplan Activity: 6G Satellite Precursor Invitation To Tender (ARTES 5G/6G SPL 3E.011)
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency and ESA approval required)
Proposed ESA Budget: €8,000,000, with National Delegate support at up to 100% funding.
Deadline (UK Space Agency): 5pm on 26 June 2023
Deadline (ESA): midday on 14 July 2023
This is an ESA-initiated programme offering up to 100% funding. Find further information on this Invitation To Tender (ITT) on the ESA website.
Space Clusters and Infrastructure Fund
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: UK companies and institutions
Total funding amount: £50,000,000
Deadline: midday on 5 July 2023 (Annex C-2: midday on 10 July 2023)
The Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) will award more than £50 million in matched funding to companies and academic institutions, as part of a competition to increase the capability, capacity, and connectivity of the UK’s space R&D infrastructure.
See the SCIF page to apply.
UK Space Agency Climate Services Call Two: Call for Climate Service Development
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: UK businesses or academia developing UK-based climate services
Deadline: 10am on 26 June 2023
The UK Space Agency is continuing to provide small grants to support the development of pre-commercial UK-based climate services using satellite Earth Observation data.
See the Climate Services Call Two: Call for Climate Service Development for details on how to apply.
International Bilateral Fund
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK organisations including academia, industry and (not for profit) government research institutes. We are particularly interested to receive bids involving the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan, but will consider opportunities from elsewhere in the world.
Funding: Phase 1: Concept Call (this competition): up to £75,000 for up to 4 months in duration. Phase 2: Implementation Call (by invitation only): if successful in Phase 1, you will be invited to submit a proposal in Phase 2 for up to £1.5 million for up to 12 months in duration.
Deadline: 9 June 2023
The UK Space Agency invites proposals for the International Bilateral Fund (IBF) to help strengthen the UK space sector’s partnerships with strategic and emerging space nations.
The objectives of the IBF are to:
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Build stronger relationships with priority countries and become a trusted space partner of choice
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Increase UK space sector inward investment and exports
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Develop UK capabilities in collaboration with our international partners.
See the International Bilateral Fund guidance page for details on how to apply.
Enabling Technologies Programme - Call Three
Funding type: Research, innovation and technology development
Who can apply: Organisations including academia, industry and (not for profit) government research institutes. Organisations must be registered in the UK.
Funding: Grant funding per project is expected to range from £100k to £250k per grant. There is not currently a fixed total amount for the call.
Deadline: 6 June 2023
The UK Space Agency invites proposals for the Enabling Technologies Programme (Technology for Sustainability in Space) Call Three for emerging and innovative technology research and development.
Proposals are sought for projects in areas including innovation; innovative technology proof of concept that could result in a significant technological step-change; new technology developments; establishing new academic/industrial research collaborations and feasibility studies targeting emerging disruptive technologies. This call is an open call with a special interest in technology which contributes to the sustainability of space.
See the ETP Call Three guidance page for details on how to apply.
Announcement of Opportunity: 2023 Call for Mars Exploration Science - Studentships
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: Academics working at UK Research organisations
Total fund: £1,000,000 (indicative)
Award range: up to £100,000 over 48 months
Deadline: 4pm on Thursday 1 June 2023
The UK Space Agency is is offering PhD studentship funding to support the development of a new generation of Mars researchers within the UK academic community by providing funding for:
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PhD projects which utilise data from Mars exploration missions (including ESA’s Trace Gas Orbiter, NASA’s Insight lander, Perseverance, and other Mars exploration missions), or;
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PhD projects which underpin future Mars exploration missions. This can include supporting science operations of current rover missions.
See the guidance page for details on how to apply.
Announcement of Opportunity: Call for the ESA Earth Observation programme, InCubed2
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: UK industry (research institutions and academia with no commercial interest in the product can apply as part of an industrially led consortium)
Total funding amount: £1,400,000
Deadline: 12pm on 31 May 2023
The UK Space Agency is inviting UK entities to submit proposals to develop innovative and commercially viable products and services that generate or exploit the value of Earth observation imagery and datasets.
See the guidance page for details on how to apply.
Announcement of Opportunity: 2023 SciSupport AO Grant Call
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: Academics working at UK research organisations who have already been selected by ESA for access to microgravity of space environments facilities.
Total fund: £1,000,000 (indicative)
Award range: up to £200,000
Deadline: 4pm on 18 April 2023
See the guidance page for details on how to apply.
Space Placements in Industry (SPIN) 2023
Funding type: Education and skills
Who can apply: Academic or research institutions (including schools, universities, research councils and UK Space Agency partners), charities, trusts and companies (including not-for-profit).
Funding: Applicants can apply for funding for up to 100% of eligible project costs.
Deadline: 31 March 2023
The UK Space Agency, supported by its delivery partner the Satellite Applications Catapult, is making at least £150,000 available under its ‘SPIN’ placement award scheme. Projects that seek to develop skills in the interns which are identified within the Space Sector Skills Survey are strongly encouraged.
See the SPIN information page for details on how to apply.
ARTES: UK National Delegate support for the “Connecting People” Call
Who can apply: UK Industry and Academia
Total funding amount: £8,000,000
Deadline: 14 March 2023, midday
The UK Space Agency is running a new Call for Applications under the ARTES Telecoms Space for 5G & 6G Strategic Programme Line, titled “Connecting People”. We are inviting applications for support from UK companies looking to develop technologies, products, and services in 5G/6G telecommunications.
See the application page to find out how to apply.
ARTES: UK National Delegate support for the Public Partnership Programme (PPP)
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency approval required)
Funding: UK companies can apply for up to 75% matched funding, depending on the size of the company applying.
Deadline: 1 March 2023
The UK Space Agency is seeking industrial partners for major projects in satellite communications through a competitive Call opening in January 2023.
See the application page to find out how to apply.
ARTES: Competitiveness and Growth
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency approval required)
Funding: All projects are subject to the usual European Space Agency (ESA) rules surrounding matched funding
Deadline: 3 March 2023
This is an industry-led programme offering matched funding for developing commercial satellite communications technology solutions and innovations.
Companies will need to apply to the UK Space Agency for approval before they submit their application to ESA.
Call for ideas: Climate services
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK individuals and organisations
Funding: £80,000 to be split between successful applicants. Total costs of any one proposal to not exceed £10,000.
Deadline: 11:59pm on 30 December 2022.
The UK Space Agency is seeking ideas to help foster climate services innovation. We are looking to provide small grants to help the UK develop business-viable ideas which use space data in a climate related application.
The monies can be used by the grant recipient or to access the information or resources needed to develop your ideas. This could be time to talk to new users of a service or to develop the information and data flows for example.
See the call for ideas to find out how to apply.
Enabling Technologies Programme - Call Two
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: Organisations including academia, industry and (not for profit) government research institutes. Organisations must be registered in the UK.
Funding: Grant funding per project is expected to range from £100k to £250k per grant. There is not currently a fixed total amount for the call
Deadline: 12 December 2022
This call is a collaborative call with STFC and the UK Space Agency. A joint funding opportunity to develop and research technology for space science.
Proposals are sought for projects in areas including innovation; innovative technology proof of concept that could result in a significant technological step-change; new technology developments; establishing new academic/industrial research collaborations and feasibility studies targeting emerging disruptive technologies.
The call is an open call and encourages emerging and innovative technology development proposals in space science technologies.
See the Enabling Technologies Programme Call Two to find out how to apply.
Call for ideas: UK National Delegate support for the ESA ARTES Partnership Programme Phase 1
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK-based organisations working on telecommunications.
Funding: £15 million.
Deadline: Submission of Expressions of Interest: midday on 17 November 2022. Submission of Outline Proposal cover sheet: midday on 1 December 2022.
The UK Space Agency is seeking industrial partners for major projects in satellite communications through a competitive Call opening in October 2022, with £15 million of funding available.
The phased entry competition will run until Spring 2023 to select the most ambitious and innovative proposals from UK industrial partners. Potential partners will be expected to catalyse investment in the UK economy and champion space to deliver new products and services.
See the Call for Ideas to find out how to apply.
Enabling Technologies Programme - Call One
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: Organisations including academia, industry and (not for profit) government research institutes. Organisations must be registered in the UK
Funding: Grant funding per project is expected to range from £100k to £250k per grant. There is not currently a fixed total amount for the call
Deadline: 21 November 2022
Proposals are sought for projects in areas including innovation; innovative technology proof of concept that could result in a significant technological step-change; new technology developments; establishing new academic/industrial research collaborations and feasibility studies targeting emerging disruptive technologies. This call is open to any theme with an interest in: In Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing (IOSM) and Optics.
Example of acceptable activities are:
- Innovative and/or emerging technology research and development – proof of concept, feasibility studies targeting emerging disruptive technologies, as detailed above
- In Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing (IOSM): emerging technologies relating to IOSM (e.g. robotics, ADR, LIDAR)
- Optics: enabling technology relating to optical systems (e.g.FSO Communication, deployable optics, photonics).
See the Enabling Technologies Programme Call One to find out how to apply.
Spaceflight Competition Fund for rocketry competitions
Funding type: Inspiration and skills
Who can apply: UK organisations, including industry, academia, and institutional bodies.
Funding: It is expected that the UK Space Agency grant amount per project will be up to £100,000 for project deliverables in FY 22/23 and 23/24.
Deadline: 10 November 2022
The Spaceflight Competition Fund is the UK Space Agency’s new fund established to support the development of new or existing rocketry competitions.
We are now inviting applications from organisations interested in establishing or further developing existing rocketry competitions.
See the rocketry competitions call to find out how to apply.
UK National Delegate support for the OPS-SAT Versatile Optical Laboratory for Telecoms (VOLT) and Lunar Communications - ARTES
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK-based organisations working on telecommunications projects. Further eligibility guidance can be found in the accompanying documents.
Funding: Up to £7,000,000 of funding being made available to support the development of the test bed satellite platform, payloads and ground segment. Up to £1,500,000 of funding is being made available to support the development of Lunar Communications. No upper or lower limit has been set for individual projects
Deadline: 4 November 2022
The UK Space Agency is inviting applications for UK support to the ARTES Scylight programme to develop technologies, products, and services in optical and quantum telecommunications to lead or take part in OPS-SAT VOLT and a second call for applications for Lunar Communications.
See the UK National Delegate support for the OPS-SAT Versatile Optical Laboratory for Telecoms (VOLT) and Lunar Communications - ARTES call to find out how to apply.
UK National Delegate support for the “Opening Space with 5G” and “5G Hub at Harwell” calls under the ESA Space for 5G & 6G Programme 2022
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK industry and academia
Funding: £9,000,000
Deadline for “Opening Space with 5G” Call: 21 October 2022
Deadline for “5G Hub at Harwell” Call: 14 October 2022
The UK Space Agency is running two calls and is inviting applications for UK support for both the “Opening Space with 5G” and “5G Hub at Harwell” Calls, from UK companies looking to develop technologies, products, and services in 5G telecommunications.
Space Cluster Development Funding Call
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: Space clusters and regions. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact localgrowth@ukspaceagency.gov.uk.
Funding: Varies. £5.2 million between two funding pots, for high-impact projects (Pot A) and space cluster management (Pot B), with grants between £20,000 and £500,000.
Deadline: 21 October 2022
This call aims to support the development of world class space clusters, a key strategic objective set out in the National Space Strategy.
To be successful, applications must build on existing space sector investment, research and capabilities in the region and present a valid proposal for new activities that should have a demonstrable impact on local economic growth.
LaunchUK Technology Investment
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: Organisations, including industry and academia, that are interested in developing their technology, products, services or capabilities related to UK Launch.
Funding: Grant amount per project will lie between £10,000 and £400,000 for project deliverables to be completed by March 2023 (FY 22/23). The UK Space Agency reserves the right to also consider proposals that may be above the maximum amount stated.
Deadline: 2 October 2022
The UK Space Agency is inviting applications from organisations that are interested in developing their UK Launch technology, products, services or capabilities. The programme will provide grant funding to UK project teams to support the development of their technology, products, services and capabilities.
See the LaunchUK technology investment call to find out how to apply.
Bilateral Space Science and Exploration Missions - Statement of Intent Phase
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: Higher Education institutions and other research organisations based in the UK
Funding: The total budget available for the call (all three categories) will not exceed £3 million in FY 2022/23. Additionally, subject to funds being made available, budget will not exceed £7 million in 2023/24, and £11 million in 2024/25.
Deadline: 14 September 2022
The UK Space Agency announces a new funding line for a Space Science and Exploration (SS&E) programme featuring bilateral agreements with international space agencies outside of ESA (e.g. NASA/US, JAXA/Japan, CSA/Canada).
Due to time constraints, this first competition will be managed by the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI). The UK Space Agency funds the CEOI, which is a partnership of Airbus Defence and Space Ltd, QinetiQ Ltd, University of Leicester and UKRI Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. It is anticipated that the transition of successful proposals to contract and future calls will be managed by a new team in the UK Space Agency’s Technology, Science and Exploration (TSE) directorate.
ARTES UK National Delegate Support Programme
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK companies looking to develop technologies, products and services in telecommunications.
Funding: Up to €10,000,000. No upper or lower limit has been set for individual projects
Deadline: 14 July 2022
The UK Space Agency is inviting applications for UK support to the ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) Competitiveness and Growth programme from UK companies looking to develop technologies, products and services in telecommunications.
See the ARTES call for applications to find out how to apply. Find out more about the ARTES programme.
Enabling Space Exploration
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK organisations working on projects to develop the capability of the UK in space exploration.
Funding: Varies. Up to £1 million is available. 3-5 projects are expected to be funded up to £200,000 each
Deadline: 29 July 2022
Proposals are sought for projects to develop the capability of the UK in space exploration and position the UK to participate in, and benefit from, future space exploration missions.
See the Enabling Space Exploration call to find out how to apply.
Microgravity Experiments
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK organisations working on ideas for experiments for development and flight on the International Space Station.
Funding: Varies. Up to £3 million is available. 1-3 projects are expected to be funded
Deadline: 29 July 2022
The UK Space Agency announces an opportunity of a two-stage competition for ideas for experiments for development and flight on the International Space Station.
See the Microgravity Experiments call to find out how to apply.
Exploration Science Announcement of Opportunity
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: Academics from the UK or overseas, working at UK research organisations.
Funding: Please see details under ‘Award Value’ in application documents
Closed: 7 July 2022
The UK is a leading investor in the European Space Agency’s Exploration Programme and the UK Space Agency is committed to securing the maximum benefits from this investment. This funding is available to:
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support science and research that uses data from Mars exploration missions or underpins future Mars exploration missions,
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support scientists selected for groups and/or science teams, campaign science groups and other definition work related to Exploration missions.
See the 2022 Exploration Science Announcement of Opportunity to find out how to apply.
Exploration Science Microgravity grant
Funding type: Academic research grant
Who can apply: UK based researchers with facility access to microgravity/space environments research platforms.
Funding: Up to £5,000 per grant (see announcement)
Closed: 11 April 2022
This UK Space Agency grant supports the preparation of experiments that use microgravity and other space environment research platforms.
Space Placements in Industry (SPIN)
Funding type: Work placement support
Who can apply: Organisations offering a work placement
Funding: Up to £3,000 per award (fund of at least £75,000)
Closed: 1 April 2022
SPIN offers grants of up to £3,000 for organisations to take on graduate or postgraduate students for work placements in the space industry. Learn more about the Space Placements in Industry (SPIN): Award scheme 2022, including eligibility, project suitability, how to apply and more.
Space for All community award scheme
Funding type: Education projects
Who can apply: Academic and research institutions, charities, trusts and companies, and individuals sponsored by one of these.
Funding: Grants of up to £10k (from at least £65k total fund)
Closed: 18 February 2022
The Space for All community award scheme makes grants of up to £10,000 available for winning proposals for educational projects that capitalise on the inspirational value of space. The deadline for proposals for the 2022 scheme was 18 February.
National Space Technology Programme
Funding type: Tech development
Who can apply: Businesses operating in the UK space and related sectors
Funding: Varies, see guidance
Deadline: Not currently open to applications
This programme makes funding opportunities available for early-stage technology development projects that help to grow the UK’s space sector and capability. Read more about the National Space Technology Programme.
National Space Innovation Programme
Funding type: Research and innovation
Who can apply: UK organisations that can demonstrate a high probability of success meeting the aims of a qualifying opportunity.
Funding: Maximum £2m per project from a £10m fund
Deadline: Not currently open to applications
This programme supports the development of innovative products, services and technologies that have application in the space sector. Read more about the National Space Innovation Programme
International Partnership Programme
Funding type: Innovation and sustainable development
Who can apply: Organisations who can deliver a project that delivers a sustainable satellite-enabled solution to partners in a developing country.
Funding: Up to £8m per project, from a total fund of over £30m per year
Deadline: Not currently open to applications
The International Partnership Programme is a £150m initiative that makes use of the UK space sector’s research and innovation strengths to provide sustainable economic, societal or environmental benefits to emerging and developing economies around the world. It launched in 2016.
Find out more about the International Partnership Programme.
Updates to this page
Last updated 24 October 2024 + show all updates
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Added ARTES ESA Workplan Activities: Satellite Quantum Communications Networks (ESA Workplan Activities)
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ARTES programme: general call for expressions of interest (EOI) in satellite communication development and SBRI: UK National Active Debris Removal (ADR) Mission Technology Development - Phase 2 added, as they have both closed.
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Added Announcement of opportunity: Unlocking Space for Business as deadline has now passed.
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UK Space Agency-Axiom Space astronaut mission projects 2024/2025, C-LEO programme and Announcement of opportunity: 2024 Exploration Science added, as they have closed.
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Added Training Programmes Fund.
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Added two closed calls.
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Two programmes that have closed added to the list.
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SBRI: Active Debris Removal Refuelling Mission feasibility study - Phase 1, which recently closed.
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NSIP Kick Starter and Major Projects calls have closed, and so have been added to this list.
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Space cluster fund added to this page as it has closed.
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Two programmes that have closed were added to top of the list of closed programmes.
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ETP funding call added to list in body text field as it closed today, 10 October.
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Added closed ARTES call.
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Added closed opportunities.
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Added closed SCIF Call.
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Added closed opportunity.
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Added closed opportunities.
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Added closed 2023 SciSupport AO Grant Call.
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Expired calls added to page.
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ETP Call One added as deadline has passed.
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First published.