The UK Space Agency has announced funding for six companies working on space-related projects at the Space-Comm Expo in London.

A £250,000 public investment from the the organisation's flagship Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) has been awarded to Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), one of the UK’s leading satellite manufacturers.

The investment, which is matched by the company, will enhance SSTL’s facilities with a research and development imager cleanroom in Guildford and also support the development of its space-based imaging technology.

“By enhancing our optical research and development cleanroom facility, the new project will help address the growing need for space-based imaging equipment for a wide range of commercial, defence and governmental customers,” said Philip Brownnett, managing director of SSTL. “This will give a real boost to cutting-edge research into space imaging technology carried out in the UK.”

The space agency also announced a total of £500,000 to be apportioned between a further five projects aimed at fostering collaboration between the UK’s network of space clusters.

Funding will go towards projects including Power4Space, which aims to strengthen ties between the North West Space Cluster and Midlands Space Cluster and their respective supply chains, and the South West Space Partnership, a pan-regional partnership aiming to promote the region’s space capability, attract international investment, and develop strategic collaborations.

“With entrepreneurs and businesses from across the UK space sector at Space-Comm Expo, I’m pleased to announce this series of targeted projects to support the continued growth of our space ecosystem and deliver on the government’s Space Industrial Plan,” said Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency. “Hot off the heels of the Chancellor’s Budget boost for Low-Earth Orbit satellite manufacturing in the UK, these new projects will help catalyse investment, increase collaboration and boost prosperity across the country.”

---