A consortium of UK space technology firms, including Astroscale UK, D-Orbit, and ClearSpace, has secured funding to develop in-orbit servicing and manufacturing (ISAM).
- The consortium received a £690,000 grant from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to test crucial rendezvous and proximity operations.
- In-orbit services are projected to generate significant revenues, with potential for the UK to capture a substantial share of the global market.
- The testing aims to inform regulators about the licensing and implications of these innovative space operations.
- Key stakeholders see this initiative as crucial in advancing safe and sustainable market conditions for space activities.
In a forward-thinking move, a group of leading UK space technology firms has received significant governmental support to pioneer in-orbit services. This initiative, led by Astroscale UK, D-Orbit, and ClearSpace, has been awarded £690,000 by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). This funding is designated to test and refine rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), a vital component for in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM).
The market potential for in-orbit services is vast, with expectations of generating £14 billion in revenue over the forthcoming decade. As such, UKspace has pointed out that with the right regulatory understanding, the UK could capture up to 25% of this burgeoning market. This ambitious forecast spots a need for enhanced regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological innovations in space. The establishment of a regulatory sandbox is a strategic step toward this goal, offering a controlled environment for testing these new technologies.
Astroscale UK has been at the forefront of space advancements, with their missions centered on developing a safe, sustainable, and secure space environment. The company highlights the importance of establishing clear pathways for ISAM mission licensing, critical for transitioning these activities from niche to routine space operations.
D-Orbit, another key player in this consortium, underscores the challenges faced in regulating novel technologies. Lauren Payne, the UK’s Legal Counsel for D-Orbit, noted the significant role that regulatory sandboxes play in aligning industry practices with legislative frameworks. Such platforms not only facilitate technological advancement but also bring diverse stakeholders together to address challenges collaboratively.
ClearSpace complements these efforts by advancing technologies meant for diverse in-orbit activities, ranging from manufacturing to repair. By participating in this sandbox, they contribute to creating market conditions conducive to innovation and growth in the space sector.
The UK consortium’s initiative marks a vital step towards solidifying the UK’s position in the global in-orbit services market, bridging innovation with regulatory foresight.
