Earth’s horizon captured from the International Space Station above Western Australia on the coast of Shark Bay. Photo: NASA

The UK Space Agency is funding 23 space projects that center around international space collaboration, issuing a total of 6.5 million pounds ($8.7 million) in funding from the International Bilateral Fund (IBF). 

The 23 projects funded are space and satellite projects that include collaboration between the U.K. and international organizations from countries including the U.S., Australia, India, Germany, and others. 

One project between AccelerComm and Radisys will focus on research to deploy 5G base stations onboard satellites and will receive nearly 500,000 pounds ($672,000). 

Another project between Open Cosmos and Panasonic Operational Excellence Co. in Japan will explore higher-frequency, high-bandwidth radio links for communication between satellites. Other projects deal with space domain awareness (SDA), in-orbit manufacturing for biotech, and satellite monitoring for global water quality challenges. 

The UK Space Agency is increasing bilateral research & development funding with international allies, in line with the government’s Industrial Strategy. The IBF provides target support for U.K.-led international collaborations in the space sector. 

“These new projects span the full spectrum of U.K. space expertise, from telecommunications, propulsion and environmental monitoring to cutting-edge technologies that could change how we develop treatments for deadly diseases using microgravity. By combining home-grown talent with global expertise, we want to strengthen our capabilities, support growth, and ensure the UK remains at the forefront of space innovation,” commented UKSA CEO Dr. Paul Bate. 

Next year, the UK Space Agency will be integrated into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), a change the government announced last month. The government has said the move will reduce duplication and bureaucracy. The new unit will keep the UK Space Agency name and be staffed from both organizations.