The government has announced the opening of its climate satellite design competition.

The aim of the competition is to encourage space scientists to design a small satellite - called nanosatellites - to help inform solutions for climate change.

Nanosatellites are small satellites that can be used to gather scientific data, such as information on climate change, ranging from sea level measurements to mapping deforestation.

Competition entrants will compete for a share of a £600,000 Challenge Fund, enabling them to develop and build their satellite design with the potential to launch from a UK spaceport from 2023.

“Space technology plays a crucial role in monitoring our climate, and this competition gives the next generation a unique opportunity to design their own satellite to help tackle the most pressing issue facing our planet,” said Ian Annett, deputy chief executive of the UK Space Agency. “The ability to launch small satellites from the UK will further support our world-leading Earth observation capabilities and create high-skilled jobs across the country.”

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