DASA launches the Space to Innovate Campaign

Over the next year, DASA will release a series of challenge 'drops' to find and fund solutions to major space hurdles, with up to £2 million in funding available

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) Space Programme have launched the Space to Innovate Campaign.

The campaign seeks proposals for developing future space technologies, including satellites and space-based services, which will enhance and protect space military and civil potential. It is open to innovators from both the existing space sector and those who have not traditionally worked in this domain.

The campaign will involve space-related challenges that will be released in 'drops' throughout 2021 and 2022. The first drop - the 'Alpha challenge drop' - is now open for proposals.

Space to Innovate Campaign - Alpha challenge drop

This challenge drop focuses on two challenges:

• Challenge 1: Visualisation tools to enable space operators to exploit information gathered from multiple data sources
• Challenge 2: Novel methods for characterising objects in space and their intent

Find a full description of challenges and competition scope.

Proposals for funding to meet these challenges must be submitted by 4 August 2021 at midday via the DASA submission service for which you will be required to register.

Further competitions

A second 'Bravo drop' is expected later this year with another two challenges focused on:

• Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance
• Space Situational Awareness

Challenge drops will be open to applications from all innovators and not just those that submitted successful bids in previous ones. Any queries should be sent to accelerator@dstl.gov.uk.

First published 22 June 2021