Enabling Technologies Programme: Call 2

The UK Space Agency has opened a further round of funding for innovative technology research and development (R&D) in the UK space sector

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
• feasibility studies targeting emerging disruptive technologies

Any submissions, within the scope of space science technology, are welcome into this call. The UK Space Agency also has an interest in:

• detectors - new ideas for photon capture, at any wavelength, to enable new science from space instrumentation
• robotics - enabling remote or autonomous operation of science instrumentation
• instrumentation or techniques to meet Planetary Protection Protocols for outgoing missions and returned samples
• space weather instruments

By the end of the project, there must be a tangible improvement in the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the technology or a demonstration of advancement in approach (engineering method, technical competence, etc) that would enable and support space science.

Eligibility

The UK Space Agency welcomes bids from a variety of organisations including academia, industry, and other not-for-profit organisations. You should familiarise yourself with the requirements for eligibility to receive grant funding before you apply.

Awarded projects must start no later than 28 April 2023 and must be fully completed by 31 May 2024. Grant funding per project is expected to range from £100,000 to £250,000 per grant.

First published 1 November 2022