Scotland's space sector given £10m funding boost by UK Government

Scotland’s space sector has received a boost after the UK Government announced £10.9m in funding for five new projects.

The UK Space Agency said nearly half of the cash will go toward supporting a sub-orbital rocket test by Hyimpulse from its SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland.

Another £3.5m will be given to Spire Global to develop new technology for worldwide weather forecasting.

The rest of the money will go towards three “kickstarter” projects including a study into whether a type of drilling using microwaves could be used to for lunar exploration.

One project, involving the University of Glasgow, will receive £800,000 to build a modular robotic arm for use in space while another will look at better technology for predicting weather.

We're awarding £33m to more than 20 UK projects at the forefront of space innovation. 🛰️

The projects come from the National Space Innovation Programme – designed to invest in high-potential technologies and drive innovation and growth across the UK.

👉 https://t.co/hWAMd603W3 pic.twitter.com/BiuREU5xMm
— UK Space Agency (@spacegovuk) July 22, 2024

The UK Space Agency said the money is part of its £33m National Space Innovation Programme which is designed to drive innovation and investment in the nation’s space industry. It will fund 20 projects across the UK.

Speaking at the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: “This is an exciting time for the Scottish space sector as we look forward to the first satellite launch from SaxaVord in Shetland later this year.

“The burgeoning industry plays a vital role in our economy and employs thousands of people across the country.

“Scotland is a major player in the international space industry and I am delighted the UK Government is continuing to back the sector with £10.9m in funding for these five Scottish projects.”

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, added: “These new projects will help kickstart growth, create more high-quality jobs, protect our planet and preserve the space environment for future generations.

“They go to the heart of what we want to achieve as a national space agency that supports cutting-edge innovation, spreads opportunity across the UK and delivers the benefits of space back to citizens on Earth.”