UK ramps up spending in space communications and orbital security with £62M investment
Space is the next frontier to strengthen the UK’s national security.
Neil A. Armstrong, Apollo 11 mission, on the moon. HUM Images/Universal Images Group/Getty
- The UK will invest £62 million in homegrown space technologies to strengthen national security and economic resilience.
- £42 million will fund new British satellite communications systems, including better links between remote regions and satellites.
- Another £20 million will support universities, researchers, and businesses developing space security and commercial technologies.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
The United Kingdom is giving British businesses, universities, and researchers £62 million to spend on developing homegrown space technologies.
The funding will support new satellite communications systems and other space innovation projects. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen the UK’s national security.
“Building domestic capability in these areas is vital to strengthen the UK’s national security, economic resilience, and ability to act confidently on the world stage,” the government said in a press release.
Today’s funding puts that ambition into action. It will help UK innovators build the satellite communications, space security, and commercial technologies that strengthen Britain’s competitiveness, resilience, and security,the government said.
The promised £62 million will be divided into two parts. A total of £42 million is designated to develop new British satellite communications technologies. The remaining £20 million is allocated to supporting space innovation projects across industries and universities.
One of the goals is to expand the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) Program, an initiative to improve the communication between remote regions and satellites.
In addition, the National Space Innovation Program (NSIP) is receiving funding to support the further development of space technologies across the UK.
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“Space is not just a scientific frontier – it is a strategic one. If we do not build national capabilities at home, we become overly dependent on others for technologies we cannot afford to be without,” Liz Lloyd, Minister of the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, said in a press release.
“This funding will help develop new satellite communications technologies to keep remote communities connected, capture a growing market for on-orbit manufactured products, and strengthen our ability to monitor and protect assets in orbit, while supporting the next generation of space innovators turning early-stage ideas into commercial products,” Minister Lloyd continued.
She stressed that strengthening the UK’s domestic space capabilities will ensure that the UK remains secure, resilient, and a leader on the world stage. To achieve this goal, the British government will be working alongside international partners.
