The UK Space Agency has recently announced the Phase 2 awardees for its International Bilateral Fund, showcasing the country’s commitment to fostering international partnerships in the space industry. With a focus on pushing the boundaries of new technology and enhancing homegrown space capabilities, these projects represent the best of British innovation while strengthening ties with the global space community.
One notable project supported by the fund is the UK-Australia Space Bridge, which received co-funding of AUS$3 million from the Australian Space Agency. This funding will go towards supporting Aquawatch AUK, a project by Surrey Satellite Technology, Ltd. The aim of this project is to develop an integrated water quality monitoring and forecasting system that can be used not only in the UK and Australia but also beyond.
Another project that caught attention is a collaboration between Rolls-Royce Submarines Limited and partners BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC. This £1,200,000 project focuses on identifying optimum technologies for a fission nuclear system that can be used in various space power missions while minimizing risk.
The University of Leicester is also involved in two Phase 2 projects. The first project, with partners from the UK, USA, and Japan, aims to identify mission opportunities for UK space nuclear power technologies. It also includes the development of hybrid power systems using existing US conversion technologies. The second project, in collaboration with Geospatial Insight Ltd, Bahrain National Space Science Agency, and YBA Kanoo Group, focuses on monitoring greenhouse gas emissions in the Gulf region using a small spacecraft.
Vertical Future Ltd is working with multiple partners, including the University of Cambridge and Axiom Space, to develop a state-of-the-art autonomous controlled environmental agriculture facility for optimal plant growth in space. This project aims to adapt learnings from experiments conducted on the International Space Station to ensure feasibility.
Other projects include the development of a new X-ray imaging instrument by XCAM Ltd, the creation of a system for assessing and predicting water quality by Surrey Satellite Technologies Ltd, and the Faraday Dragon Rideshare Mission, a collaboration between multiple agencies to accelerate space technology and business.
The UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund is playing a crucial role in driving innovation and collaboration in the space industry. By supporting these projects, the agency aims to break new ground, further our understanding of the universe, and utilize the power of space to protect and benefit lives on Earth.
With the Phase 2 awardees announced, it is evident that the UK Space Agency is committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and fostering international partnerships. These projects represent a diverse range of goals and collaborations, from nuclear power systems to greenhouse gas monitoring and agriculture in space. As the projects progress, they have the potential to revolutionize the space industry and bring about new advancements that benefit both the UK and its global partners.
The UK Space Agency’s announcement at the 39th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, USA, on 8th April serves as a testament to the agency’s dedication to driving innovation and collaboration in the space industry. Through initiatives like the International Bilateral Fund, the UK is positioning itself as a leader in the global space community and paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in technology and exploration. As these Phase 2 projects move forward, it will be exciting to see how they contribute to our understanding of the universe and pave the way for future developments in space.
