UK Space Agency
Could UK Space Agency fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £5,000 – £50,000
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Online form
- Decisions
- Quarterly
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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gov.ukAbout UK Space Agency
The UK Space Agency is the government body responsible for the UK's civil space programme. Established in 2010, it coordinates national efforts in space science, technology, and innovation, working to capture a larger share of the global space market while delivering economic growth and societal benefits. The Agency funds through a range of targeted programmes that support research, development, and commercialisation of space technologies, applications, and services. What makes the UK Space Agency distinctive is its role as the single gateway for government space funding, integrating policy, regulation, and grant-making.
What UK Space Agency funds
The Agency funds UK-wide projects across space exploration, satellite communications, Earth observation, navigation, and in-space sustainability. Areas of interest include innovative space technologies, cyber security for space, space clusters infrastructure, connectivity in low Earth orbit, and STEM education initiatives that use space to inspire young people. Each programme has its own thematic focus, such as delivering innovative space technologies through co-funded grant support, developing mature cutting-edge technology relevant to industry needs, or accelerating commercialisation of key technologies in satellite communications.
Who can apply
The Agency supports registered charities, social enterprises, community benefit societies, schools, and academic institutions. UK-based organisations are eligible to apply, with some programmes specifically targeting SMEs involved in space sector activity with a manufacturing or operational presence in the UK. Beneficiaries include children and young people, particularly through STEM education initiatives that use space to reach young people from all backgrounds.
What UK Space Agency doesn't fund
The Agency does not fund defence-only projects, core organisational costs (unless explicitly stated in a specific call), or projects that do not demonstrate clear UK benefit.
How they like to fund
The Agency funds through a range of targeted programmes, each with its own thematic focus and eligibility criteria. Some programmes require match funding and support multi-year projects. The Agency welcomes unsolicited applications through open calls, with each programme having its own application process.
How much does UK Space Agency give?
UK Space Agency runs 11 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 78 sourced facts
- Two-stage process
- Multi-year funding
- Match funding required
- Online application form
- Online application form
- Online application form
- Online application form
- Two-stage process
- Online application form
- Online application form
- Expression of interest first
- Online application form
- Single-year grants
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What UK Space Agency funds — and what they won't
Future-proof UK competitive edge in satellite communications; accelerate commercialisation and industrialisation of key technologies; catalyse private sector investment; strengthen UK position in global constellation supply chain.
Good to know
How to apply to UK Space Agency
UK Space Agency takes applications via online form.
- Published programme route: two-stage process.
- Decisions are typically quarterly.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
What UK Space Agency's application asks
We hold the 6 questions from UK Space Agency's application form, word for word — so you know exactly what you're signing up to answer.
“How does your proposal advance the strategic goals identified within the call document and the wider goals of the UK Government?”
“Why do you need grant funding, how will you spend it and how does this represent good value for money for the taxpayer?”
4 more questions from their form, plus answers drafted from your charity's real data if you decide to apply.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if UK Space Agency could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does UK Space Agency provide?
UK Space Agency runs 11 grant programmes — Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) Programme - Call 3: £4,000,000 – £25,000,000 · Earth Observation InCubed funding call: Up to £7,260,000 · Earth Observation Missions and Technology Innovation Call 1: Up to £1,400,000 · National Space Innovation Programme – Call 3: Up to £20,000,000 · Responsive Mode Call - Exploration Community Development: Up to £50,000 · Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund - Call 2 (Expression of Interest): Up to £37,000,000 · Space for All Fund 2023: £50,000 – £100,000.
Where does UK Space Agency fund charities?
UK Space Agency funds charities operating in the UK.
Does UK Space Agency accept unsolicited applications?
UK Space Agency accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
How do I apply for funding from UK Space Agency?
UK Space Agency takes applications via online form. Published programme route: two-stage process.
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Could UK Space Agency be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.