The UK Space Agency’s Enabling Technologies Programme is an integral component of the National Space Innovation Programme, with a dedicated focus on assisting UK companies in the development of revolutionary technologies aimed at bolstering spaceflight capabilities. With an initial investment of £2.1 million, this program aims to foster innovation and propel the UK’s space industry to new heights. The Enabling Technologies Programme is open to commercial businesses, academic institutions, and not-for-profit organizations, inviting them to contribute their expertise and ideas.
Diverse Range of Projects Highlighting the UK’s Skills in Space Science and Engineering
The investment from the Enabling Technologies Programme reflects the UK’s diverse skills in space-related science and engineering, which are flourishing across the country. By supporting innovations in emerging and new areas of space technology, the UK ensures its position as a global leader, generating business opportunities and inspiring individuals to pursue careers in this thriving sector. The projects were selected to showcase the breadth of expertise in the UK’s space industry and its commitment to advancing space capabilities.
Supporting Emerging Technologies for Enhanced Space Capabilities
The Enabling Technologies Programme aims to support emerging technologies that have the potential to revolutionize spaceflight capabilities. By investing in projects related to space-based solar power, extreme ultraviolet Integral Field Spectroscopy, electrothermal propulsion, and more, the UK Space Agency is positioning the country at the forefront of space innovation. These technologies hold promise for transforming various aspects of space missions, from power generation and observation techniques to in-orbit servicing and communications.
Recipients of the Enabling Technologies Programme Investment
The first round of funding from the Enabling Technologies Programme has been allocated to nine projects. These projects encompass a wide range of areas and involve collaborations between academic institutions, research centres, and private companies. The recipients include:
- Space Forge’s Project Helios: This Wales-based project aims to develop a retractable solar array in partnership with Microlink Devices. The technology will power returnable spacecraft and enable in-orbit servicing, extending the lifespan of satellites.
- Durham University: The university will receive support for two projects. The first project focuses on the development of image slicer technology for an extreme ultraviolet integral field spectrograph, enhancing observations of the Sun and high-energy astrophysics. The second project aims to advance metal optics technology for space systems, enabling more compact and high-performance instrument concepts for Earth Observation and exploration missions.
- Other projects include E-band traveling wave tubes for high throughput satellites, plasma torch rocket electro-thermal thrusters for space logistics, levitated optomechanical technologies in space, micro LEDs for satellite quantum key distribution, silicon photonic beam pointing for free space optical communications and cold spray manufacturing for space.
Growing the UK Space Sector and Economy
Supporting experts and organizations throughout the UK is a priority outlined in the National Space Strategy. By investing in new technologies, the UK Space Agency aims to foster the growth of the space sector and the wider economy. These investments provide opportunities for smaller businesses to develop new ideas and products, reducing reliance on non-European nations for space capabilities. Furthermore, the Enabling Technologies Programme promotes emerging areas, such as space-based solar power, which have the potential to reshape the energy landscape and drive economic growth.
Overview of the Funded Projects
The Enabling Technologies Programme has allocated funds to several groundbreaking projects:
- Lancaster University: The project focuses on designing and creating a high-power, compact, and low-cost E-band traveling wave tube amplifier, enabling high data transmission for 5G and 6G applications.
- Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey: This project aims to develop a new electro-thermal propulsion system called PLATOR. It will enhance in-orbit servicing, manufacturing, and spacecraft maneuvering capabilities.
- Swansea University: The project, LOTIS, aims to develop key technologies for levitated optomechanics, enabling large mass fundamental quantum mechanics experiments and space environment sensing.
- University of Strathclyde: The project focuses on integrating UV micro-LEDs to enable compact, low-power, and robust sources for satellite quantum key distribution, enhancing technology for encrypted communications.
- University of Southampton: The project aims to develop a novel beam steering chip for free-space optical communications, enabling fully solid-state communications.
- Imperial College London: The COSMOS project involves the development of a cold spray metal additive, which will facilitate in-orbit servicing, manufacturing, and exploration missions.
The Enabling Technologies Programme provides a vital boost to these projects, accelerating their progress and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of space technology development.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
