UK Space Agency offers £15 million in funding for Earth observation technologies to advance climate monitoring, environmental management, and scientific knowledge
These technologies are vital in enhancing humanity’s understanding of the planet and its climate.
The funding aims to facilitate various environmental services, including meteorology, climate monitoring, environmental management, agriculture, urban planning, and scientific research.
UK space agency funds environmental technologies
The UK is already recognised as a global leader in Earth observation tools, technologies such as AI and algorithms, and data utilisation.
This fresh injection of funds will accelerate the progress of promising Earth observation technologies within the UK. The goal is to enable the deployment of these technologies on satellites in the coming years, reinforcing the UK’s position as a frontrunner in Earth observation technology and expertise for both commercial and public services.
Earth observation for a sustainable future
Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, George Freeman MP, emphasised the critical role of Earth observation technology in addressing modern challenges.
These range from monitoring climate change to responding to humanitarian disasters.
Furthermore, this technology has diverse applications, including ensuring infrastructure safety like bridges and supporting farmers optimising land use. The £15 million investment is expected to drive economic growth and bolster the UK’s ambition to become a science superpower.
The Earth observation technology programme
The Earth Observation Technology Programme funding is managed by the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI).
It forms part of a broader £400 million package announced in November 2022, specifically aimed at supporting the Earth observation sector in the UK.
This funding seeks to catalyse investments across the industry, encouraging innovative projects and technology development. The programme offers three funding categories: Pathfinder projects up to £75,000, Fast Track projects up to £250,000, and Flagship projects up to £3 million.
Innovative projects for space research
The CEOI, responsible for delivering the Earth Observation Technology Programme funding, has released this 16th call for grant proposals. It represents a significant increase in funding opportunities compared to previous calls.
The grants will support the development of new and novel UK-based technologies, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. Past CEOI funding has shown substantial impact, bringing together expertise to develop UK-owned technologies for Earth observation.
Progress in observing Earth
Since 2016, the Earth Observation Technology Programme has disbursed £20 million across 57 projects.
These projects encompass a variety of innovations, including a next-generation Synthetic Aperture Radar for Oceanography, a Compact Infrared Imager and Radiometer, and a Laser Heterodyne Radiometer.
With this latest funding opportunity, the UK Space Agency aims to drive progress in Earth observation and propel these technologies towards deployment on commercial, societal, and research space missions.
