The UK Space Agency has announced new funding to support ambitious plans for the exploration of space.听
The funding call from the UK Space Agency鈥檚 Space Exploration programme鈥痠nvites the space sector to bid for up to 拢500,000 to boost technology that will support and advance robotic and human exploration of Low Earth Orbit, the Moon鈥痑nd Mars.听
Proposals could鈥痠nclude ideas to develop space-based nuclear power, technology that supports human and robotic exploration, tech to support potential future exploration missions听and techniques for extracting mineral resources in space.听
The development of space-based nuclear reactors, for example, could potentially lead to the more efficient use of technology on Earth, such as quickly deployable microreactors to restore power to disaster-hit areas.听
Sue Horne, Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency, said:鈥�淓xploration of鈥疞ow Earth Orbit and our surrounding celestial neighbours delivers鈥痠mportant breakthroughs that advance our understanding of the universe,听opens up听economic possibilities and make life better back on Earth.听
鈥淭he UK has provided expertise and equipment to some of the most high-profile space missions of recent times.听听
鈥淭his funding will help our world-class space sector kickstart new technological successes, allowing us to explore our solar system further.鈥�听
The deadline for applications is鈥�5pm on 31 August 2021. Organisations鈥痗an鈥痓id for between 拢50,000-拢500,000.