The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has awarded nearly £7 million ($9 million) to five projects developing new satellite communications capabilities under the European Space Agency’s ARTES programme, the agency said on Friday.
Funding was allocated to Orbit Fab, Goonhilly Earth Station, Vicinity Technologies, Archangel Lightworks working with Eutelsat, and Viasat UK. The projects focus on technologies ranging from satellite refueling to optical communications and next-generation 5G systems.
Orbit Fab’s ASTRAL mission will receive up to £2.9 million to validate the company’s RAFTI and GRASP refueling interfaces through docking and propellant-transfer demonstrations. The project—Advancing Satcom Technology with Refueling and Logistics—is aimed at enabling in-orbit servicing and refueling.
Vicinity Technologies will develop a 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) regenerative payload system, along with user terminals and accompanying software for both ground and space segments.
Archangel Lightworks, working with Eutelsat, will conduct a study under ESA’s Sunrise programme to explore potential use cases for integrating optical communications into the OneWeb constellation.
Viasat’s UK subsidiary received second-phase funding for work on a procurement platform allowing governments to plan, procure and monitor satellite communications services from multiple providers.
Goonhilly Earth Station will use its award to build an interface unit designed for global antenna installations to support communications with lunar spacecraft under the LunaNet standard.
“By advancing satellite communications technology, we’re not only building a globally competitive sector but also ensuring that communities – even in the most remote corners of the U.K. – can access the services they need. This is space delivering for people and powering our future economy,” UKSA CEO Dr. Paul Bate said.
