The body is launching a £2.7m fund for projects which are located across the UK in a bid to bolster the UK’s growing satellite launch sector.
The UK is currently on track to become the first country in Europe to offer commercial launch services to small satellite manufacturers, from a range of spaceports offering both horizontal and vertical rocket launch capabilities.
The funding from UKSA’s new Launch UK Technology Investment Programme will support teams from industry and universities to develop technology, products and services that will enhance the UK spaceflight supply chain and improve its international competitiveness.
Start-up Magdrive will receive £250,000 to further development on its Magdrive kick-stage for launch, which will allow satellites launched from the UK to reach higher altitudes and new orbits. It is hoped the drive will be used to fill a supply chain gap in the UK’s satellite launch sector.
The kick-stage uses the Magdrive electric...