£16M for New Project Investment to Boost UK Satellite Constellation Benefits

key takeaways

The UK Space Agency has granted a share of £16 million to two outstanding projects.

By creating technology that increases their efficiency and capability, UK industry will be able to take a larger share of the satellite mega-constellation market thanks to the financing.

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Over the next four years, the UK Space Agency's Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) program will invest up to £160 million in UK expertise in this field.

Through the provision of high-speed internet access to underserved and inaccessible places, satellite constellations are bridging the digital divide and improving global connectivity. These constellations are expected to revolutionize the maritime and aviation connection markets, altering the way people interact while residing and working in some of the world's most isolated locations.

Companies benefitting from this round of funding include Oxfordshire’s EnSilica plc, which will receive £10m to develop novel silicon chips and software for a user terminal. This will be compatible with UK and European constellations like OneWeb Next Generation.

In Cardiff, Excelerate Technology Ltd will receive £6m to develop the small and flexible Mobility and Autonomy Market User Terminal (MAMUT). This will allow users to choose the operator and orbit via an app, reducing costs and enhancing global configurability.

Telecoms minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "The UK has all the cutting edge expertise and technology to spearhead the latest advancements in satellite communications and become a leader in this high-tech industry.

"These Government backed projects will not only provide significant advancements in mobile communication, but help to bridge the digital divide, connecting communities in the most hard-to-reach areas."