Funding for space-related R&D, innovation and education
Opportunities for organisations working in the UK space sector
Several funding calls from the UK Space Agency and the space sector academic, education and community partners, are currently open for applications.
Exploration Science working group support
Funding type: Travel and time support for academics
Who can apply: Academics selected for groups and/or science teams, campaign science groups and other definition work relating to named UK Space Agency Exploration Science missions.
Award range: Up to £40,000
Closing date: Open until further notice.
Find out more: Exploration Science working group support.
ARTES: Invitations To Tender (ESA Workplan Activities)
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency and ESA approval required)
Funding: Dependent on Invitation To Tender (ITT) activity
Deadline: Open until further notice
These are ESA-initiated programmes offering up to 100% funding for developing early technologies and innovations. Invitations To Tender (ITTs) are listed on ESA-STAR. You will need to register to access the activities.
For supported ITTs, as part of the application process, companies will need to apply to the UK Space Agency for approval before they submit their final application. This is a three-stage application process, in which:
- applicants should register their interest via the online ‘UK registration for ARTES Invitations To Tender’ form
- if approved, applicants will then be asked to submit their Full Proposal to the UK Space Agency for review
- once the UK Authorisation of Funding letter has been received, applicants may then apply to ESA
Please note, the UK Space Agency reserves the right to apply additional requirements to any supported ITT. We will notify you once you have registered your interest, if applicable.
To enquire about a specific activity not included on the ‘UK Space Agency-supported ITT’s’ document on the call web page, email telecoms@ukspaceagency.gov.uk.
Navigation Innovation Support Programme (NavISP)
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK organisations working in positioning, navigation and timing undertaking technology research and development focused on commercial innovation.
Funding: Varies. 100% funding for developing early technologies and innovations; typically between €200,000 and €800,000 for space-enabled positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technology solutions and innovations.
Deadline: Open until further notice
Since 2017, the UK has invested €50 million into NavISP to support the UK space PNT sector to innovate the next generation of space-enabled and space-supported navigation products, services and applications.
The UK investment in the programme is available to support UK organisations to undertake technology research and development focused on commercial innovation.
See the NavISP announcement of opportunity and find out about the NavISP programme.
Student support: ESA microgravity programmes
Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: UK-based teams successfully selected by ESA for certain student support programmes.
Funding: Up to £5,000
Deadline: Open until further notice
This announcement of opportunity offers up to £5,000 (if available) to support students participating in ESA microgravity programmes.
See the announcement of opportunity to find out how to apply.
Responsive Mode Call - Exploration Community Development
Funding type: Development and promotion of UK space exploration community
Who can apply: UK individuals and organisations
Funding: Support will be granted to a maximum of £50,000.
Deadline: Open until further notice.
The UK Space Agency will, subject to budget being available in any given financial year, make available funds to support activities such as:
- community building activities
- establishing networking opportunities
- showcases and/or organisation attendance at appropriate conferences
Applicants should detail how the proposed activity benefits the UK space exploration community.
See the call and find out how to apply.
General Support Technology Programme (GSTP)
Funding type: Research, innovation, and development
Who can apply: UK organisations and companies (UK Space Agency and ESA approval required)
Deadline: Open until further notice.
The UK Space Agency is looking to provide support to companies and academic institutions across the UK in developing innovative technologies to grow UK capability. We are keen to engage with start-ups and SMEs (from both within and outside the space sector), as well as established companies and organisations. Collaborative proposals are also welcomed.
See the GSTP guidance page for details on how to apply.
Closed opportunities
To view closed opportunities, please visit the closed opportunities page.
First published 23 January 2023