The UK Space Agency is making significant investments in cutting-edge technologies to propel the UK space industry to new heights. With £1.8 million allocated to nine innovative projects, this funding marks the culmination of the Enabling Technologies Programme (ETP), a strategic initiative aimed at positioning British organizations at the forefront of space technology.
The announcement of these investments comes on the heels of the inaugural In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing (IOSM) conference at the Harwell Science Campus, where game-changing technologies were discussed. The IOSM conference highlighted the potential for in-flight repairs and adjustments to spacecraft, as well as the efficient manufacturing of essential products like semiconductors in the microgravity environment of space.
Andrew Griffith MP, Minister for Space, emphasized the diverse range of benefits these advancements bring, from improved weather forecasting to expanded pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.
Among the projects selected for funding under the ETP, several standout initiatives caught the eye. The University of Derby is undertaking groundbreaking work in mapping global coastline trends, focusing on areas lacking sufficient geospatial data. This project aims to facilitate climate change monitoring and strategic coastal management planning.
Ultima Forma Ltd, in collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space, is developing modular waveguides using electroforming technology. Waveguides are critical for directing energy in communications, and electroforming holds potential for cost-effective manufacturing and development.
The University of Northumbria at Newcastle is working on a personalized tourniquet system for spaceflight technology. This project aims to address the muscle and bone mineral loss experienced by astronauts due to the absence of gravity. By adapting the Delfi Personalised Tourniquet System for Blood Flow Restriction (BFRE), this technology could help prevent muscle and bone loss during space missions.
Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, is focused on air-breathing electric propulsion spacecraft. They aim to advance the air-breathing electric propulsion concept through propulsion testing and analysis, with the goal of operating in incredibly low-altitude orbits.
The University of Derby is also involved in a computational study called ASTRIA, which focuses on manufacturing, assembly, and materials. This study explores the potential of transient liquid phase diffusion bonding for assembling large space structures or facilitating vehicle re-entry.
Frontier Space Technologies Ltd is enhancing the fluid transfer and biological material property testing capabilities of their SpaceLab microgravity laboratory. This miniaturized lab-in-a-box is designed for in-orbit manufacturing of high-value products and has applications in fields like pharmaceuticals, biosciences, and material science.
Messium is developing a wheat biomass estimator using advanced algorithms and hyperspectral imagery. This estimator can provide valuable insights into the health and productivity of wheat crops, enabling informed decisions regarding crop health, yield optimization, and resource allocation.
Imperial College London, in collaboration with the University of Warwick, is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge magnetometer technology using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds. These magnetometers play a critical role in various applications, from planetary science missions to weather forecasting.
The University of Strathclyde is spearheading the development and demonstration of tuneable radiation-resilient (AlGa)2O3 UVC photodetectors. This semiconductor technology offers enhanced performance and resilience to radiation in harsh space environments, with potential applications in Earth observation, atmospheric monitoring, and planetary exploration.
These projects represent the UK Space Agency’s commitment to advancing space technology and driving innovation within the UK space industry. By investing in these cutting-edge technologies, the agency is positioning British organizations at the forefront of space exploration and paving the way for a brighter future in space.
