The UK government has announced more than £62 million in funding to help British companies, universities and researchers develop new space technologies, as ministers seek to strengthen
the country's resilience in a sector increasingly seen as vital to national security and economic growth.
The investment, unveiled by Space Minister Liz Lloyd at the Farnborough International Airshow, will support the development of satellite communications, space security systems and commercial technologies. The government says the funding is intended to reduce the UK's reliance on overseas suppliers while helping domestic businesses bring new technologies to market.
Ministers argue that expanding Britain's space capabilities will improve the country's ability to monitor and protect satellites in orbit and safeguard services that depend on space infrastructure, including broadband for remote communities and mobile connectivity for rail, aviation and maritime transport.
The package includes £42 million for new satellite communications technologies through the government's Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme. Businesses, universities and research organisations will be able to bid for funding to develop technologies such as advanced satellite antennas, optical communications, onboard processing systems and user terminals.
A further £20 million will be made available through the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP), supporting projects ranging from early-stage research to commercial development. Around 40% of the funding will be directed towards Space Domain Awareness and In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing, areas the government considers critical for protecting UK interests in orbit.
The government also confirmed that organisations will soon be able to register interest in a new round of the Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund, which plans to distribute £37 million in grants by 2030 to strengthen regional space infrastructure across the UK.
Announcing the investment, Ms Lloyd said space had become "not just a scientific frontier, but a strategic one", adding that Britain needed to develop more of its own capabilities rather than relying on overseas technologies.
She said the funding would help develop new satellite communications, improve the UK's ability to protect assets in orbit and support companies turning innovative ideas into commercial products.
Alongside the funding announcement, the UK Space Agency published new figures showing continued growth in its startup support programme.
According to the agency, its Space Accelerator programme has supported 289 founders since launching in 2021, helping participating companies secure more than £102 million in private investment. The programme has also contributed to the creation of 209 jobs, with 89% of supported businesses still operating.
The government says the programme plays a key role in developing Britain's space sector by helping startups attract investment, refine their technologies and expand into commercial markets.
