The investment is part of a much larger financial contribution which the UK channels into the European Space Agency annually.

The UK Space Agency is investing GBP6.9 million into five UK-led projects under the European Space Agency's Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme to accelerate the development of satellite communications (SATCOM) technology.

ARTES focuses on driving development of new SATCOM technologies, products, and services for the European and Canadian space industry. It supports projects at various stages of development.

A range of different companies are receiving a portion of the GBP6.9 million UK investment, covering satellite refuelling, advanced 5G networks, optical communication systems, and lunar communications.

This initiative aligns with the UK’s broader strategy to enhance SATCOM, positioning, navigation, in-orbit servicing, and space domain awareness, while leveraging space data for Earth applications.

Orbit Fab is receiving the most UK funding from this investment, totalling GBP2.9 million to deliver the ‘Advancing Satcom Technology with Refuelling and Logistics’ project. It aims to prove the capability to refuel electric propulsion satellites.

The other UK companies leading specific ARTES projects include:

• Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall, which is receiving GBP1.6 million to advance lunar communications.
• Vincinity Technologies, a company based in Bristol, which is receiving GBP1.19 million to lead the design and development of a versatile 5G non-terrestrial network regenerative payload system and user terminals.
• Inmarsat Navigation Ventures Ltd (Viasat UK) will receive GBP881,000 for the International Virtual Satellite Operators Network (phase two) project. This initiative will develop a service that enables governments to plan, procure, manage and monitor SATCOM services from Viasat and other providers, ensuring secure and coherent management of critical communications. 
• Archangel Lightworks, based in Oxford, is working with Eutelsat to advance free space optical communications through the ‘Space Optical Link Integration Study’ project, funded by GBP356,000.

This funding comes ahead of the European Space Agency’s Ministerial Council in Germany on 26-27 November, where the UK Government will negotiate the country’s financial commitment to the future of Europe’s space ambitions.

The UK is a founding member and the fourth largest financial contributor to the ESA – after Germany, France, and Italy respectively. Approximately 70–75% of the UK Space Agency's annual budget is channelled into the ESA. The most recent commitment, made at the 2022 Council at Ministerial Level, totalled GBP1.84 billion for the 2022–2027 period.