First funding call for C-LEO programme for satellite communications

The UK Government has launched the first funding call for its C-LEO programme – to help boost the country’s satellite communications sector – which was announced in the recent Spring Budget.

There is £60 million of funding being made available over the next four years for satellite constellation-related ideas.

Awards of up to £20 million per project will be funded both by the UK Space Agency directly and through the European Space Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme. You can find more details of the funding call online.

The aim is to help “maintain the UK’s competitive edge” during a period of rapid change and growth for the global space sector. Basically, to benefit from high-value contracts in the global supply chain for such constellations,

C-LEO programme

“The UK is already home to some of the world’s most innovative leaders in satellite communications technologies and expertise, but continued growth requires sustained and strategic investment,” said Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency.

“This major new funding allows us to provide additional support, signalling the UK’s long term commitment to the satellite communications sector and helping to bring its most ambitious projects to market.”

The context for the C-LEO programme launch, highlighted the government, was the record number of global satellite launches in 2023, with more 2,900 satellites launched successfully into orbit. The vast majority of these will be operating as part of commercial constellations, which will continue to grow.

“The new funding can be used for research and development projects to build the capabilities of satellite constellations, making them more efficient at processing data in space and improving the services they offer to customers on Earth,” writes the agency.

The deadline for applications is midday GMT on Wednesday 8 May 2024.

See also: Calling time on government funded manned space travel