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Press release C-LEO PROGRAMME KICKS OFF WITH £60 MILLION FOR SATELLITE CONSTELLATION IDEAS  Up to £60 million is available for innovations that will help boost the UK’s satellite

communications sector, following the record number of global satellite launches in 2023. The UK Space Agency’s Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme was highlighted in the recent

Spring Budget, with the Chancellor confirming that up to £160 million will be invested in UK expertise through the programme over the next four years. The first funding call launches today,

with up to £60 million being made available.   The UK has a rich heritage in satellite design, spacecraft manufacturing and the operation of large satellite constellations, but this new

government funding is crucial to maintaining the UK’s competitive edge during a period of rapid change and growth for the global space sector.   A new record was set in 2023, with more than

2,900 satellites launched successfully into orbit, and the vast majority of these satellites operate as part of commercial constellations which will continue to grow rapidly.   This

represents a major opportunity for the UK space industry to benefit from high-value contracts in the global supply chain for satellite constellations, and to play a leading role in the

long-term growth of the satellite communication sector.  Andrew Griffith MP, Minister for Space at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, said:    > From super accurate 

navigation, future generations of mobile > connections, to better access to healthcare, satellite > communications is opening doors around the world.  >  > As part of our UK 

space programme, we are making available up to > £60 million to back world-class UK teams in seizing those > opportunities.  Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

  > The UK is already home to some of the world’s most innovative > leaders in satellite communications technologies and expertise, but > continued growth requires sustained and 

strategic investment.  >  > This major new funding allows us to provide additional support, > signalling the UK’s long term commitment to the satellite > communications sector 

and helping to bring its most ambitious > projects to market. The new funding can be used for research and development projects to build the capabilities of satellite constellations,

making them more efficient at processing data in space and improving the services they offer to customers on Earth. Advancing these communications services is critical to the success of

emerging innovations – such as autonomous vehicles and healthcare deliveries via drone – and will ultimately give the UK space sector a competitive edge in the rapidly growing global market

of low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations. This will help catalyse investment, develop new manufacturing capabilities, and drive the improvement of connectivity in remote, rural and

harder-to-reach areas in the UK and beyond.  Awards of up to £20 million per project will be funded both by the UK Space Agency directly and through the European Space Agency’s Advanced

Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme. Apply for the call. The deadline is midday GMT on Wednesday 8 May 2024. SHARE THIS PAGE The following links open in a new tab *

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab) * Share on Twitter (opens in new tab) UPDATES TO THIS PAGE Published 27 March 2024