24/7 Space News
SPACEMART
C-LEO Initiative launches with big funding boost for Constellations
illustration only
C-LEO Initiative launches with big funding boost for Constellations
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Apr 02, 2024

In an ambitious move to strengthen its position in the global space sector, the UK Space Agency announced the launch of the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme, outlined in the recent Spring Budget. The Chancellor has earmarked up to GBP 160 million to bolster UK expertise over the next four years, with the programme's first funding call making GBP 60 million available today.

The initiative is set against the backdrop of the UK's esteemed history in satellite design, manufacturing, and operation of extensive satellite constellations. This financial injection is deemed essential for the UK to retain its competitive advantage amidst the global space industry's rapid evolution and expansion.

Last year marked a significant milestone with over 2,900 satellites deployed into orbit, a record number, primarily within commercial constellations. These constellations are expected to see exponential growth, opening lucrative opportunities for the UK space industry to secure high-value contracts worldwide and spearhead the satellite communication sector's development.

Andrew Griffith MP, the Minister for Space, emphasized the transformative potential of satellite communications, from enhancing navigation accuracy and mobile connectivity to improving healthcare access globally. He stated, "Through the UK space programme, we're allocating up to GBP 60 million to support top-tier UK teams to capitalize on these opportunities."

Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, highlighted the UK's role as a hub for satellite communications innovation and expertise. He stressed that ongoing growth necessitates continuous, strategic funding. "This substantial new investment reaffirms the UK's dedication to the satellite communications industry, aiding in bringing new projects to fruition," said Bate.

The funding is earmarked for R and D projects aimed at enhancing satellite constellation capabilities, such as more efficient data processing in space and improved customer service on Earth. This is crucial for advancing communication services vital to the success of emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and drone-delivered healthcare, positioning the UK as a leader in the fast-growing market for low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations.

The initiative promises to stimulate investment, expand manufacturing capabilities, and enhance connectivity in the UK's remote and hard-to-reach areas and globally. With project awards reaching up to GBP 20 million, the funding will be provided directly by the UK Space Agency and through the European Space Agency's Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme.

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
AST SpaceMobile advances space-based cellular network with ASIC chip development
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 01, 2024
In a significant stride towards realizing the world's first space-based cellular broadband network, AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) has announced the initiation of the tape-out phase for its highly anticipated Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), developed in partnership with TSMC, the premier global semiconductor foundry. This initiative is part of the company's BlueBird Block 2 program, aiming to dramatically enhance satellite processing bandwidth by up to tenfold through the introduct ... read more

SPACEMART
Artemis 3 to include Space Lab's LEAF Plant Science Experiment

Music of Space: An Ode to the Sonic Frontiers Beyond Earth

Kayhan Space welcomes Mark Mueller to spearhead government growth in space traffic management

Voyager 1's Data Transmission Issue Traced to Memory Corruption, Fix in Progress

SPACEMART
Lockheed Martin Ventures Backs Helicity Space for Fusion Propulsion Advancements

Rocket Lab set to launch dual-orbit mission featuring KAIST and NASA satellites

China continues to grow its remote-sensing fleet with Yaogan 42A launch

North Korea says it test-fired new solid-fuel hypersonic missile

SPACEMART
Looking back at Hinman Col: Sols 4146-4147

Continuing up the Channel: Sols 4139-4140

An Intriguing Mess: Sols 4141-4143

Perseverance uncovers a watery past on Mars

SPACEMART
Shenzhou 17 astronauts complete China's first in-space repair job

Tiangong Space Station's Solar Wings Restored After Spacewalk Repair by Shenzhou XVII Team

BIT advances microbiological research on Chinese Space Station

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

SPACEMART
Expanding Horizons: Satcoms Innovation Group Introduces Four New Academic Affiliates

C-LEO Initiative launches with big funding boost for Constellations

Aerostar International expands reach with acquisition of Near Space Corporation

Iridium acquires Satelles, Unveils enhanced time and location solutions

SPACEMART
Mynaric Accelerates Space Communication with CONDOR Mk3 Production

NASA collects 'space debris' that crashed into Florida man's home

D-Orbit and Plan-S Forge Strategic Partnership for Satellite Deployment

SwRI advances space sustainability with new in-space refueling craft

SPACEMART
Webb Telescope unveils first glimpse into planetary formation

Unlocking the secrets of Earth's underground ecosystems

Uncovering the thermal pathways to life's origins

Webb opens new chapter in search for forming planets

SPACEMART
The PI's Perspective: Needles in the Cosmic Haystack

The Persistent Ices of Kuiper Belt Object 486958 Arrokoth

New study reveals potential "ice bombs" among Kuiper Belt Objects

Unlocking the Secrets of Eternal Ice in the Kuiper Belt

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.