The UK Space Agency has announced a £30 million investment to accelerate the development of cutting‑edge technologies for the next generation of Low Earth Orbit satellite constellations, which are reshaping global connectivity.
This is the second round of funding from the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit programme, supporting UK companies developing advanced components crucial for satellite networks that deliver high‑speed internet, communications and data services to remote and hard‑to‑reach locations worldwide – from rural communities to ships at sea and aircraft in flight.
The global LEO connectivity market, valued at approximately £40 billion and growing at more than 10% per year, is driven by demand for services such as broadband, navigation, aviation and maritime tracking, as well as weather forecasting.
These technologies are also critical for defence and national security. The new investment will help UK firms move their innovations from the testing phase to market‑ready products, improving their chances of winning major contracts with global satellite operators.
The funding will accelerate a new wave of satellite technologies that will deliver:
- Faster data processing
- Lower latency
- Improved security and data sovereignty
- Greater resilience in UK supply chains
By strengthening domestic capability, the UK positions itself at the centre of a major shift in global space‑based communications.
The announcement coincides with the Space‑Comm Expo at ExCeL London. At the event, Space Minister Liz Lloyd will outline a new vision for the UK as a competitive and agile space power. Satellite communications has been identified as one of four core areas essential to the UK’s long‑term ability to operate in and benefit from space.
The Space Minister commented:
“Space is now the cornerstone of our modern economy. Satellite constellations have revolutionised how we operate, digitalising industries, optimising logistics and connecting all corners of the globe.
“This new funding will support the development of smarter satellites with better hardware, the use of AI to make data delivery faster and improved connections between spacecraft.
“This is part of the government’s commitment to keeping UK companies at the forefront of satellite communications, delivering economic growth and strengthening our defence and national security.”
The first phase of the C‑LEO programme awarded £18 million to three projects involving eight UK companies. These projects:
- Have been underway for one year
- Will continue for another two years
- Have already created 26 specialist jobs
- Focus on user terminals, active antennas and on‑board regenerative processors
The second round of funding is expected to scale these early successes and secure the UK’s competitive position in the global satellite communications market.
Image credit: iStock
