UK Space Agency to Invest $62M in Satcom Projects Through ESA’s ARTES Program 

The UK Space Agency announced 50 million pounds ($62 million) in new funding for the nation’s satellite communications industry. The funding announced Monday is part of the European Space Agency (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Services (ARTES) program and can be used for projects like developing new satellite constellations, ground systems, or whole end-to-end systems. 

“This latest 50 million pounds UK Space Agency funding will help more companies into our vibrant fast growth U.K. space telecoms sector, helping drive both growth and wider U.K. economic resilience,” said U.K. Minister for Space and Science George Freeman. 

The United Kingdom has committed 190 million pounds to the ARTES program, which supports the Sunrise program to support the delivery of OneWeb’s first generation platform and user terminals for a U.K.-wide supply chain, and Pioneer with Spire Global and AAC Clyde Space to develop infrastructure for quick and low cost access to space. 

Overall, the United Kingdom is committed to investing in its space industry through its National Space Strategy.