UK SPACE
UK Space News
Live launches, spaceport updates, and policy shifts, straight from European Spaceflight, UK Space Agency, and SaxaVord. For the next scheduled UK rocket launch with a live countdown, see the homepage.
- Space Scotland4 August 2026
UK Space Agency funding calls announced: NSIP Call 3, SCIF Call 2 and C-LEO Call 3 (opens in new tab)
A number of UK Space Agency funding calls have been announced recently, spanning early-stage innovation, space cluster infrastructure and satellite communications, with deadlines running from 7 August to 7 September 2026.
Read on Space Scotland (opens in new tab)National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) Call 3
NSIP operates open funding calls for all space-related technologies under two strands: NSIP Kick Starter, which supports highly disruptive early-stage innovations, and NSIP Major Projects, which emphasises commercialisation and growth of particularly lucrative ideas from UK businesses, universities and research organisations. Combined, these grant mechanisms provide an end-to-end support package to move great ideas across the “valley of death” and towards commercial success. NSIP Call 3 will expand the portfolio of innovative R&D projects that meet the programme’s objectives to catalyse investment into the UK space sector, capture market growth, raise Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of priority space capabilities, and position UK space activities closer to commercial and scientific exploitation. Although not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest by 7 August; outline proposals are due at 11:59pm on 21 August.
Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) Call 2
This round of SCIF will issue at least £37 million to strengthen the capability, capacity and connectivity of the UK space sector by supporting facilities, equipment and infrastructure that enable organisations to develop, test, manufacture, qualify and commercialise space technologies. Expressions of Interest are due at 12:00pm on 21 August. Space clusters play an important role in helping SCIF projects connect to local capability and demand – organisations considering applying for SCIF funding can contact Becky at becky@spacescotland.org.
Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) Call 3
The third C-LEO call will provide up to £42 million in funding support to future-proof the UK’s competitive edge in the high-value satellite communication sector by enabling its diversification into the high-growth and strategically important high-volume constellation market. Stage One forms are due at 12:00pm on 7 September.
- ESA25 July 2026
Meet Dr Meganne Christian: the British-Italian scientist training to become an ESA astronaut (opens in new tab)
Before she was selected for ESA's astronaut reserve, Dr Meganne Christian spent the darkest, coldest months of the year isolated at Concordia Station in Antarctica, monitoring stratospheric conditions through winters where temperatures fall below -80°C. Now the UK Space Agency's exploration commercialisation lead, she began Astronaut Reserve Training in Cologne in January 2025 and would join a short list of British astronauts if called up to fly.
Read on ESA (opens in new tab) - UK Space Agency24 July 2026
UK Space Agency (opens in new tab)
The UK's national space agency, responsible for funding, regulation, and launch licensing.
Read on UK Space Agency (opens in new tab) - SpaceCareers.uk23 July 2026
SpaceCareers.uk (opens in new tab)
A careers hub for the UK space sector with job listings, profiles, and advice for entering the industry.
Read on SpaceCareers.uk (opens in new tab) - UKspace22 July 2026
UKspace (opens in new tab)
The trade association representing the UK space industry.
Read on UKspace (opens in new tab) - SpaceNews21 July 2026
UK and Florida commit $400,000 to joint space projects (opens in new tab)
The British government and Florida’s space-focused economic development agency have each committed $200,000 to support joint research, innovation and commercialization projects. The post UK and Florida commit $400,000 to joint space…
Read on SpaceNews (opens in new tab) - Satellite Applications Catapult21 July 2026
Satellite Applications Catapult (opens in new tab)
An innovation organisation supporting UK space and satellite technology development.
Read on Satellite Applications Catapult (opens in new tab) - European Spaceflight20 July 2026
UK Misses Deadline to Award Contract for Space Debris Removal Mission (opens in new tab)
The UK Space Agency has missed a deadline to award a £75.6 million contract for the country’s first mission to capture and remove dead satellites from low Earth orbit. A call for Phase 3 of the mission’s development was published in July…
Read on European Spaceflight (opens in new tab) - Space Scotland20 July 2026
Space Scotland (opens in new tab)
An industry-led organisation championing the growth of Scotland's space sector, relevant given Scottish spaceports like SaxaVord.
Read on Space Scotland (opens in new tab) - ESA13 July 2026
ESA welcomes new UK space and defence gateway (opens in new tab)
His Majesty King Charles III visited the UK’s largest space cluster on 10 July to launch a new initiative designed to shape the future of the space and defence economy.
Read on ESA (opens in new tab) - European Spaceflight7 July 2026
RFA ONE Launch from SaxaVord Set for No Earlier Than 10 August (opens in new tab)
Almost two years after an RFA ONE first stage burst into flames during a static fire test, German rocket builder Rocket Factory Augsburg is preparing for a second attempt at the rocket’s inaugural flight from SaxaVord Spaceport in…
Read on European Spaceflight (opens in new tab) - SpaceNews10 June 2026
UK startup Applied Atomics to enter US market with focus on military space mobility (opens in new tab)
Company opens Virginia office, announces $4 million pre-seed funding The post UK startup Applied Atomics to enter US market with focus on military space mobility appeared first on SpaceNews.
Read on SpaceNews (opens in new tab) - SpaceNews8 June 2026
UK startup NewOrbit raises $18.5 million in Series A round (opens in new tab)
SAN FRANCISCO – NewOrbit Space, a UK startup developing satellites for very low Earth orbit (VLEO), has raised $18.5 million in a Series A investment round. With the funding, announced […] The post UK startup NewOrbit raises $18.5 million…
Read on SpaceNews (opens in new tab) - SpaceNews2 June 2026
UK explores Vast space station mission for astronaut with physical disability (opens in new tab)
The U.K. government is exploring sending British astronaut John McFall to Vast’s planned Haven-1 space station in a mission it says could make him the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit. The post UK explores Vast…
Read on SpaceNews (opens in new tab) - European Spaceflight15 May 2026
OHB Space UK to Begin Work on ESA EnVision Venus Explorer Mission (opens in new tab)
Germany’s OHB has signed an agreement with Thales Alenia Space for the assembly, integration, and testing of the European Space Agency’s EnVision spacecraft. The development of the EnVision mission is being led by Thales Alenia Space under…
Read on European Spaceflight (opens in new tab) - SpaceNews8 April 2026
Astroscale passes key design milestone for UK military space-tracking cubesats (opens in new tab)
Astroscale has completed the critical design review for two cubesats slated to launch next year to help the British military monitor space weather and track objects in LEO. The post Astroscale passes key design milestone for UK military…
Read on SpaceNews (opens in new tab) - SpaceNews13 March 2026
Q&A: Rebecca Evernden on UK space strategy (opens in new tab)
SpaceNews caught up with Rebecca Evernden, the recently appointed Director of the new UK Space Agency, at Space Comm Expo in London. This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. SpaceNews: Which do you see as strategic areas…
Read on SpaceNews (opens in new tab) - NASASpaceflight6 March 2026
UK domestic launch milestone as RFA ONE rocket arrives in Scotland (opens in new tab)
German aerospace company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has achieved a significant milestone in its quest… The post UK domestic launch milestone as RFA ONE rocket arrives in Scotland appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.
Read on NASASpaceflight (opens in new tab) - SpaceNews5 March 2026
Infinite Orbits acquires UK startup Lunasa to expand satellite servicing capabilities (opens in new tab)
LONDON – In-orbit services provider Infinite Orbits announced plans March 3 to acquireLondon-based in-orbit servicing and manufacturing startup Lunasa, marking a step in the company’s expansion into the United Kingdom. The acquisition…
Read on SpaceNews (opens in new tab) - SpaceNews5 March 2026
UK announces £500 million package for industrial growth and national security (opens in new tab)
LONDON – The United Kingdom is refocusing its funding priorities with a new 500 million pound ($668 million) space funding package that aligns more closely with economic growth and national security priorities, Liz Lloyd, the UK minister…
Read on SpaceNews (opens in new tab)