UK Space Agency Launches Horizontal Spaceport Development Fund

The UK Space Agency is inviting applications for funding to help prospective horizontal spaceports in the UK build a case for offering small satellite launch, and sub-orbital flight and ancillary services.

Prospective UK horizontal spaceports can submit proposals for research and development into the opportunities offered by new and emerging horizontal spaceflight technologies. The research will examine both the technical and commercial feasibility of spaceport operations, and in particular should consider:

How UK aerodromes could adapt current infrastructure to host horizontal spaceflight services and/or technology-based services related to horizontal spaceflight.

How UK aerodromes could adopt successful business models to offer commercially sustainable spaceflight and/or technology-based services related to spaceflight.

The call encourages prospective UK horizontal spaceports to build their own business cases for offering horizontal launch services from the UK in the early 2020s and to therefore better position themselves to engage with potential suppliers and investors. Proposals are therefore invited for studies into how a UK spaceport business, or businesses working together, could provide all or some of the horizontal launch and spaceflight services in support of UK launch. If a consortium wishes to apply, a single lead organisation must be named as the recipient of the grant funding.

It is anticipated that the total funding available for all proposals will be up to £2 million with a maximum of £500,000 awarded per bidder.

Applicants must notify the UK Space Agency of their intention to bid by 21 June 2019.

More information about this research funding opportunity and the application process is available on the RESEARCHconnect funding information platform. RESEARCHconnect provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on research funding news and policy. To find out more about how RESEARCHconnect can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.