24/7 Space News
SPACEMART
Axiom Space and UK Space Agency seek innovative projects for upcoming mission
Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS, emphasized the UK space sector's global leadership and the importance of continued investment in developing cutting-edge capabilities. He encouraged engagement from companies across the space value chain, noting the UK's longstanding reputation for technological innovation.
Axiom Space and UK Space Agency seek innovative projects for upcoming mission
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Feb 21, 2024

The UK Space Agency has announced the opening of two new funding calls, targeting science experiments and technology demonstrators, as part of the groundwork for a possible collaboration with Axiom Space. This initiative could see a team of four British astronauts embarking on a commercially-sponsored mission, potentially to the International Space Station (ISS).

This announcement is a significant step following the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Axiom Space in October 2023, paving the way for a UK astronaut mission underpinned by commercial sponsorship. The initiative underscores the UK's ambition to remain at the cutting edge of space exploration and technology development.

Andrew Griffith MP, the Minister for Space, emphasized the importance of this opportunity for UK businesses and the science community. He stated, "There is huge potential for UK businesses to play an increasingly important role in space exploration and the development of new technologies." He further encouraged the UK science and technology community to leverage this chance to advance discovery and innovation in critical technologies, highlighting the Pounds 15 million earmarked for these funding calls.

Annelies Look, Deputy CEO of the UK Space Agency, echoed this sentiment, underlining the agency's commitment to keeping the UK's space sector at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation. The early opening of these funding calls, ahead of the confirmed mission, aims to maximize the potential benefits for the UK.

Dr. Lucie Low, Chief Scientist for Microgravity Research at Axiom Space, expressed enthusiasm for supporting impactful projects that align with human space exploration goals and offer terrestrial benefits. Axiom's missions have facilitated global research in microgravity, contributing to national priorities in research and technology development.

The science funding call seeks UK-based research leveraging microgravity and the space environment, encouraging proposals that align with the National Space Strategy and other strategic frameworks. The technology demonstrator call aims to test innovative technologies in space, focusing on areas critical to the UK's exploration goals, such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, and Advanced Manufacturing.

UK astronaut Tim Peake highlighted the importance of commercial human spaceflight, referencing the Ax-3 mission as a benchmark for scientific achievement in space. He lauded the UK Space Agency's efforts to capitalize on this new era of space exploration.

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS, emphasized the UK space sector's global leadership and the importance of continued investment in developing cutting-edge capabilities. He encouraged engagement from companies across the space value chain, noting the UK's longstanding reputation for technological innovation.

Related Links
UK Space Agency
The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
SPACEMART
Trinity Capital commits $120 million in equipment financing to Rocket Lab
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 21, 2024
Trinity Capital Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIN), a financier for growth-stage companies, has announced a strategic move by committing $120 million in equipment financing to Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: RKLB), a leading figure in the space launch services and advanced satellite technology domain. This significant financial infusion is poised to bolster Rocket Lab's manufacturing, testing, and research and development endeavors, marking a pivotal moment for both entities in the advancement of space technology. ... read more

SPACEMART
Under pressure - space exploration in our time

International Crew Prepares for Launch to ISS Aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon

Modi says India's first astronauts will inspire nation

Space Perspective Unveils The Future Of Human Space Travel

SPACEMART
HyImpulse readies SR75 rocket for historic maiden launch in Australia

Blue Origin prepares New Glenn for maiden launch

Ariane 6 readies for summer launch after eco-efficient transport to Europe's Spaceport

China plans record 100 space launches in 2024, including lunar and station missions

SPACEMART
Mining Into Mineral King: Sols 4110-4111

Little Groundwater Recharge in Ancient Mars Aquifer, According to New Models

Three years later, search for life on Mars continues

Confirmation of ancient lake on Mars builds excitement for Perseverance rover's samples

SPACEMART
Chang'e 6 and new rockets highlight China's packed 2024 space agenda

Long March 5 deploys Communication Technology Demonstrator 11 satellite

BIT advances microbiological research on Chinese Space Station

Shenzhou 18 and 19 crews undertake intensive training for next missions

SPACEMART
LeoLabs names Tony Frazier as CEO to expand its role in global space operations

Virgin Voyages Sets Sail with the Fastest Internet at Sea

UK Space Industry to tackle skills shortage and defence roles at Space-Comm Expo

Trinity Capital commits $120 million in equipment financing to Rocket Lab

SPACEMART
Rocket Lab's Spacecraft Line: Bridging Missions from LEO to Deep Space

Experimental orbital services vehicle Optimus set for launch

Sony cuts 900 PlayStation jobs

'I need to fight': UK steelworkers in fear as less pollution means less jobs

SPACEMART
CUTE's groundbreaking design paves the way for future small-scale space missions

Earth as a test object

UC Irvine-led team unravels mysteries of planet formation and evolution in distant solar system

NASA's Hubble Finds Water Vapor in Small Exoplanet's Atmosphere

SPACEMART
New moons of Uranus and Neptune announced

NASA's New Horizons Detects Dusty Hints of Extended Kuiper Belt

NASA invites public to dive into Juno's Spectacular Images of Io

Europa Clipper gears up with full instrument suite onboard

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.