The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is offering a unique opportunity for British scientists, innovators, and businesses to venture into space through the Axiom mission. With a £15 million grant, UKSA has put out a call for proposals, seeking a science demonstrator and a technology demonstrator. If the mission goes ahead, it could potentially transport four British astronauts to space.
The chosen commercial organization will work in partnership with Axiom Space and UKSA, with the European Space Agency also endorsing the mission. However, the timeline for when the plans will be adopted is unclear at this time.
Andrew Griffith, Minister for Space at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, expressed excitement about the potential for UK businesses in space exploration and the development of new technologies. The funding calls mark a significant step in the collaborative mission between Axiom Space and UKSA.
The mission’s specific destination is yet to be determined, but the International Space Station is a possibility. However, funding can only be released if the mission proceeds. Nonetheless, UKSA is encouraging scientists, innovators, and businesses to submit proposals now to maximize the benefits of a mission in the near term.
UKSA aims to pursue a commercially-backed mission through its Memorandum of Understanding with Axiom Space. The MoU was signed in October 2023, and plans are finally starting to materialize. However, the success of the astronaut mission depends on demonstrator proposals from commercial space companies.
The first proposal call from UKSA is focused on science experiments. They are particularly interested in backing British scientists researching microgravity and the space environment. While proposals can come from any area of research, UKSA encourages ideas that align with the National Space Strategy and the UK’s Science and Technology Framework. Proposals that address the priorities defined by the UK Research and Innovation body are also highly encouraged.
The second proposal call targets technology demonstrators in the UK’s exploration sector. UKSA is seeking proposals that test key in-space technologies developed under the partnership with Axiom Space. This includes technologies that align with the National Space Capability Goals and the five technologies outlined in the UK Space and Technology Framework: artificial intelligence, engineering biology, future telecommunications, semiconductors, and quantum technologies. Additionally, ideas that support UKSA’s Space Exploration Technology Roadmap, focusing on advanced manufacturing, in-situ resource utilization, life support, and crew performance, are welcomed.
With this opportunity, the UK space industry has the potential to make significant advancements in space exploration and technology development. UKSA’s collaboration with Axiom Space opens doors for British scientists, innovators, and businesses to contribute to groundbreaking research and innovation on a global scale. The future of British space exploration looks promising, as the UKSA invites proposals for the Axiom mission and paves the way for Brits to venture into space.
