UK Space Agency

The UK Space Agency, established in 2010 as the UK's central public body for civil space activities, unifies national efforts in scientific research, technology innovation, regulation, and international collaboration to capture a larger share of the global space market, drive economic growth, enhance security, and deliver societal benefits. Its mission is to catalyse investment, deliver UK-aligned missions, and inspire stakeholders, guided by values of collaboration, excellence, responsible stewardship, innovation, and public engagement. Distinctively, it integrates policy, regulation, and funding to foster a thriving ecosystem of industry, academia, research labs, charities, and international partners like NASA and ESA.

It funds space-related R&D and innovation across eight priorities: UK spaceport launches, in-space sustainability, science/exploration, technology breakthroughs, investment/job creation (including levelling-up), Earth observation for climate action, low-Earth orbit services, and public inspiration. Key programmes include the National Space Innovation Programme, International Bilateral Fund, Space for All, Unlocking Space for Business, and General Support Technology Programme, supporting satellites, lunar tech, microgravity biomedicine, autonomous manufacturing, STEM education, and cross-sector consortia with clear economic, environmental, or societal impacts. Beneficiaries encompass UK companies, universities, research institutions, charities, and educational bodies.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, academic institutions, and equivalents (no income thresholds, but must demonstrate delivery capacity), leading UK-wide projects open to international partners if UK benefits accrue. Typical grants range £5,000–£2,000,000, varying by call (small feasibility to large strategic). Applications via online forms on GOV.UK portals, often with outline/full proposals; many calls have fixed deadlines (e.g., quarterly assessments, Unlocking Space Call 2: 7 July 2025), some ongoing. Excludes core costs (unless specified), unsolicited outside calls, defence-only, or non-UK leads; uniquely positions as the definitive UK gateway for space impact.