Funding Available for Future Technology Research
7 Feb 2012
The UK Space Agency has opened the competition for future space research and development as part of the National Space Technology Programme (NSTP). The Pathfinder Open Call for proposals will target speculative and innovative space technology projects which could bring benefit in the medium to long term.
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Artist's rendition of SSTL's TechDemoSat-1.
Credit: SSTL.
The Agency has made £0.5m available through its Future Technology Pathfinder Programme (FTPP) for innovative projects which offer a potential to develop future space activities. The Government’s contribution will be paired with additional funding from industry. The FTPP is targeted at the development of new space technologies, or the application of terrestrial technologies in space. Such technology-led projects must show a credible benefit to future operational, commercial or scientific mission objectives. This competition will also focus on the possible commercial implications, as well as technologically enabling effects, of new technology in space engineering.
The NSTP was part of a £10 million funding package allocated to the UK Space Agency as part of the 2011 Budget, and was a recommendation from the Space Innovation and Growth Strategy Report. The NSTP is designed to stimulate growth-led innovation in the space industry and to encourage competitors to take advantage of UK strengths. This early stage investment in truly novel concepts should help position the UK for increased involvement in space and for future growth.
The competition runs from Tuesday 7th February until Tuesday 20th March 2012 and is open to industrial and academic organisations. Individual awards will be capped at £50,000. It is being managed by Astrium Ltd on behalf of the Agency, with support from QinetiQ Ltd.
More information on how to apply and on other NSTP projects can be found on the NSTP pages.
