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UK Space Agency invests £13m in 16 satellite technology projects
The UK Space Agency has announced a £13 million investment to fund 16 projects aimed at advancing satellite communications technology. The initiative seeks to bolster the British space industry, which currently employs over 55,000 people and contributes approximately £18.6 billion annually to the economy.
Key projects include improving connectivity in remote areas. CGI will lead the SODOR project, which involves trialing satellite broadband on ScotRail’s West Highland Line to provide more consistent internet for passengers. In the agricultural sector, the GAUFF project is developing affordable satellite-enabled sensors to provide farmers with real-time data on crops and land.
Other significant technical developments include Exobotics’ STARS project, receiving £2.1 million for optical communications, and Project Optimus, receiving £1.845 million to test high-speed laser links between satellites and ground stations. Airbus is also participating with its £1.5 million Theia project, focusing on reprogrammable satellite processors to extend hardware lifespan and flexibility.
Entities
Airbus · CGI · Liz Lloyd · ScotRail · UK Space Agency
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Exobotics received £2.1 million for the STARS project to develop optical communications for satellite data transfer. voip.review
- [● 3 SOURCES] CGI will receive £428,000 for the SODOR project to trial satellite broadband on ScotRail’s West Highland Line. voip.review · www.mobileeurope.co.uk · www.ukpol.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The UK Space Agency is investing £13 million into 16 satellite communications projects. voip.review · www.mobileeurope.co.uk · www.ukpol.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The GAUFF project is developing satellite-enabled sensors for real-time agricultural data, expected by late summer 2026. www.ukpol.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The UK space sector attracted £2.2 billion in investment and revenue between 2024 and 2025. voip.review
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Airbus received £1.5 million for the Theia project to develop reprogrammable satellite processors. voip.review
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Orbital Astronautics received £1.71 million for the QUAKES project to create a compact ground station. voip.review
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Project Optimus received £1.845 million to test laser links between satellites and ground stations aiming for 100 Gbps speeds. voip.review