The UK Government released the ‘Unlocking Space for Business' programme aiming to attract more innovation and investment to grow the capabilities of satellite data and services. It positions the UK at the forefront of the New Space economy.
As satellite applications support end users' connectivity and verticals access to broadband, the programme is a significant step in structuring a web of partnerships and agreements for economic development.
Future of satellites
A growing satellite economy attracts businesses in several sectors of the economy. Rising data availability and consequential improvement in insights open new possibilities for traditional and upcoming business models. The UK Government plans to advance that environment with the ‘Unlocking Space for Business' programme.
The programme is structured and distributed between the following free of charge initiatives.
- Information Hub: educating on possible value that can be drafted from satellite applications.
- Insights and Networking Events: bring together customers and suppliers to enhance business opportunities.
- Exploration workshops: deliver expert advice to identify opportunities.
- Learning and Development: online and in-person sessions, with materials about a range of topics on exploiting satellite data and services.
- Funding call: support investments to launch pilots and brand development.
The aim is to extract benefits for businesses from innovations in satellite services, connect with leading organisations, and apply for public funding for pilot projects, procurement, or partnerships. A range of applications take advantage from services such as geospatial data, with uses providing decision-making support.
Scaling up business in space
Satellite data and services include imagery, connectivity, communications, and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). Supply chains have a lot to benefit with enhanced data and tracking services to logistics and transport. Possibilities span to new technologies, such as autonomous vehicles mobility, reliant on geo-location data and global networks.
This programme showcases the UK's commitment to developing both the space sector and further business applications from satellites. techUK members, including Eutelsat OneWeb and Planet, are at the forefront of innovations in the satellite sector, whilst others, such as Orbit Fab, are pioneering the broader space services ecosystem that will sit around satellites and satellite-enabled data in the decades to come.
Supercharging Investment in Space panel discussion and networking session
This free event is focused on space SMEs looking to scale and access growth capital.
It will take place on 30 October from 1-3pm at the techUK offices in Central London.
You can secure one of the last remaining tickets here.