Vertical Future is developing a robotic 'space farm' facility to grow plants in space, and Rolls-Royce is working with US company BWXT on space nuclear power.

From developing new technology for high-resolution photos of the Moon and Mars, to X-ray imaging that will help scientists study the Earth's Aurora in unprecedented detail, the 11 projects showcase valuable missions and capabilities, and highlight the breadth of expertise found across the UK's vibrant space sector which employs around 49,000 people.

The GBP 13 million funding boost was announced on the opening day of the 39th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs (Monday 8 April).

Space Minister at DSIT, Andrew Griffith MP, said: "The UK is home to some of the brightest minds in space science, aerospace engineering and an entrepreneurial commercial space sector. It's no wonder the world wants to collaborate with Britain when it comes to space.

I am delighted that today we have been able to support new space collaborations with private organisations from countries like the US, Australia, Canada, India and Singapore."

This is the second phase of investment awarded through the UK Space Agency's GBP 20 million International Bilateral Fund, following the first phase in August 2023. Phase 1 funded 32 projects up to GBP 75,000 each, all of whom entered into a highly competitive process for further funding from Phase 2.

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: "We want to draw on the best global talent to push the boundaries of new technology such as AI and space nuclear power, enhance our homegrown space capabilities and catalyse investment into the UK economy.

The projects supported by our International Bilateral Fund champion the best of British innovation, while strengthening our ties with the wider space community. Together we can break new ground, further our understanding of the Universe and use the vast power of space to protect and benefit lives on Earth."

As further evidence of the success of the UK-Australia Space Bridge, the International Bilateral Fund has been bolstered by a co-funding commitment from the Australian Space Agency, worth AUS$3 million.

Projects supported by Australia include Aquawatch-AUK, led by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), which is using disruptive space technologies to develop a world class integrated water quality monitoring and forecasting system for use across the UK, Australia and beyond.

Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said: "This funding builds on the collaboration fostered through the UK-Australia Space Bridge. By working with our international partners like the UK, we can continue to grow the Australian space sector while delivering outcomes that benefit communities in both of our nations.

From addressing food security and water scarcity to the health of our waterways, the projects being supported through this fund reiterate how space can help address the biggest global challenges we are facing - as well as the power of working together to solve a common problem."

Space Symposium runs from 8-11 April in Colorado Springs and brings together over 10,000 people from the global space industry. The UK's growing space sector is represented at the event by organisations including the UK Space Agency, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), various government departments, companies and universities.

UKspace Director, Lizzie Kerr, said: "It is great news that so many of our members and partner organisations across the UK have been successful in this round of funding. Given space is inherently a global endeavour, the International Bilateral Fund investment will support and strengthen international collaborations between UK industry and research partners and their counterparts across the world.

Following the original IBF announcement at the 38th Space Symposium, we are really encouraged by the positive progress made during the past 12 months. UKspace will be at the 39th Space Symposium and we are keen to explore how we can help foster new collaborative partnerships with trade associations around the world."

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