UK projects to revolutionise journeys into space receive funding boost

The projects plan 'will help raise the international profile of UK space skills and expertise'

Santa Cruz, a hill on Mars, in a photo taken by the Perseverance rover. PA

The UK Space Agency has announced new funding to support space exploration using the Moon’s resources and nuclear power.

The projects aim to revolutionise the ability to journey deeper into space, and even to Mars, safely and efficiently.

Using supplies found in space, the projects will harness remote technology to sustain astronauts and spacecraft.

One project is creating remote equipment that scientists can use to run experiments on biological models in deep space from Earth.

This will allow them to better understand the effects of space on human health and begin designing medical treatment for astronauts.

Other ventures include testing better systems for recycling breathing gas while in space, and enhanced methods for extracting valuable resources, such as oxygen and metals, from Moon rock.

Astronauts eating in space - in pictures

Another one of the projects will look at new nuclear power processes for propulsion.

The agency announced £1.6 million ($1.9 million) in funding for the eight projects through its Enabling Space Exploration fund on Mars Day.

“The concept of exploring deeper into space — whether that means returning to the lunar surface through the Artemis programme, or working out how we could travel to and survive on Mars and beyond — is a global ambition that has been growing since humanity’s first forays into space in the 1950s," said Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency.

“Supporting technologies that make that ambition a reality will help to raise the international profile of UK space skills and expertise.

“Not only does this naturally unlock business opportunities all along the supply chain, but it helps inspire young people to consider the possibility of a career in space without having to leave the UK.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the space-exploration sector, and I look forward to seeing how far the results of these projects will reach.”

James Webb space images - in pictures

George Freeman, Minister of State at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, said:“Space is the ultimate frontier, laboratory and technology testbed.

“The UK’s long history of leadership in deep space science and exploration is key to both understanding our solar system and origins of life, and creating opportunities for our high-growth SpaceTech sector.

“Today’s funding is part of the government’s strategy to use our £5 billion investment in space science and technology to grow our £16.5 billion commercial space sector to create the businesses, jobs and opportunities of tomorrow, and the space clusters from Cornwall to Scotland.”

At the European Space Agency Council of Ministers meeting in November, the government pledged £1.84 billion for important space programmes, which includes a commitment to the UK-built Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover, set to launch to Mars in 2028.

The projects will be led by the University of Exeter, University of Southampton, Hampshire, Open University, Buckinghamshire, Mac SciTech, South Shields, Bangor University, Wales, and Thales Alenia Space in Oxfordshire.