Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 24, The UK Space Agency has allocated £6.9 million to five innovative satellite communication projects through the European Space Agency’s ARTES programme. These initiatives highlight British expertise in advanced connectivity technologies and reinforce the country’s position in European space development.

The funding supports key areas including satellite communications, in-orbit servicing, position navigation and timing, space domain awareness, and Earth observation applications. With European satellite demand projected at £40 billion through 2033, capturing even a small share could generate substantial economic returns for the UK.

Orbit Fab leads the ASTRAL project, receiving up to £2.9 million (£1.3 million awarded for the initial phase) to demonstrate satellite refuelling technology for electric propulsion systems, extending operational lifespans and enhancing orbital safety.

Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall will develop the AGILE project with £1.6 million to create a universal ground antenna interface compliant with the LunaNet standard, improving communication reliability for future lunar missions.

Vicinity Technologies has been granted £1.19 million to design a regenerative 5G Non-Terrestrial Network payload and user terminals, enabling seamless global internet coverage in remote and urban areas alike.

Archangel Lightworks, in partnership with Eutelsat, will advance free-space optical communications through the SOLIS study, supported by £356,000, exploring integration within Eutelsat’s OneWeb low-Earth-orbit constellation.

Inmarsat Navigation Ventures Ltd (Viasat UK) receives £881,000 for Phase 2 of the International Virtual Satellite Operators Network, developing a platform that allows governments to efficiently procure and manage secure satellite communication services from multiple providers.

Space Minister Liz Lloyd stated: “Space technology and especially satellites, are essential to our daily lives. From the sat nav in your car to your mobile phone, from weather forecasts to your online banking – space is where it all happens. By backing our UK sector, we’re not only cementing our position as a European space leader – we’re creating high-skilled jobs, attracting investment, and ensuring space technologies can connect communities to the space-enabled services they need.”

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, commented: “Today’s investment shows how the UK’s space ambitions translate into real-world impact. By advancing satellite communications technology, we’re not only building a globally competitive sector but also ensuring that communities – even in the most remote corners of the UK – can access the services they need.”

Laurent Jaffart, Director of ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications, said: “ESA is committed to supporting a vibrant and striving telecommunications ecosystem in Europe, while achieving a zero-debris environment in space. This milestone, with support from the UK Space Agency, will further strengthen the European autonomy and sovereignty that we are collectively striving for with our Member States.”

These projects build on the UK’s 2022 commitment to the ARTES programme and demonstrate practical progress in next-generation space infrastructure that benefits both industry and society.