Team Blitz India
New Delhi: The Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) has allocated over £47 million for 12 projects, a figure set to double with matching funds from the sector. This represents a substantial injection of over £98 million into space research and development infrastructure, fostering private and public investment.
The funding will lead to the expansion of the UK’s space industry, leading to the creation of new jobs. It will not only strengthen the nation’s space programme but will also upscale services offered by UK entities on a global scale.
SCIF funding builds upon previous investments by the UK Space Agency, fostering the development of a robust space ecosystem. This approach connects clusters of space capabilities across the country, creating environments conducive to the establishment and growth of businesses. These clusters will enable SCIF projects to tap into local talent and supply chains, ensuring widespread benefits.
“By investing with the private sector in research and facilities across the UK, we are ensuring they become home to global industries that support the growth of our £17.5 billion space sector, create hundreds of new jobs and build dynamic businesses across the UK,” said Andrew Griffith, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, emphasising the significance of investing in research and facilities across the UK.
The UK Space Agency’s funding for national projects, including SCIF, complements the £1.84 billion invested through the European Space Agency in November. This substantial investment ensures that the UK’s space and commercial satellite sector plays a pivotal role in future international missions and innovative commercial programmes.
