Market Intelligence
Space United Kingdom

United Kingdom Space Agency Calls for U.S. Industry Partners

The UK Space Agency, part of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science & Trade (BIST), is seeking U.S. companies to partner with UK companies and submit proposals for projects that will help strengthen the space sector through international partnerships.

Space is a vital component of UK civil society and defense. Space and satellite services underpin the UK’s defense operations, critical national infrastructure, and wider economic activity estimated to be around 18% of UK GDP. The UK has set an ambitious vision for the space sector, recognizing its importance for economic growth, national security, scientific advancement, and international collaboration.

Selected proposals submitted by U.S. companies partnered with UK companies will be funded through the International Bilateral Fund (IBF). The objectives of the IBF are to:

  • Deepen relationships with the U.S. through international partnerships and strengthen the UK as a trusted space partner.
  • Deliver the UK Government’s economic growth agenda by enabling high-value international collaboration with the U.S. that will facilitate technological innovation in the space sector.
  • Leverage international partnerships to build UK space capabilities and protect national security.All proposals must clearly demonstrate how the bilateral partnership supports both the U.S. and the UK space sectors.

Proposals are welcome on any area of the space economy, but the following priority subsectors have been identified as particularly important for the UK’s economic, civil and defense requirements:

  • Satellite Communications
  • Assured Access to Space
  • In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM)
  • Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

Proposed bilateral projects can last up to 18 months and must begin on 1 April 2027. Up to $2 million is available in UK Space Agency grant funding for each proposal. 

As space becomes more congested and contested, the UK must work with partners to develop its capabilities and improve its national security resilience. Strong international partnerships are essential to the UK’s ability to protect its interests and deliver its strategic objectives, and the UK Government has placed international cooperation at the heart of its approach to safeguarding UK security, sustaining its economic growth, and ensuring its long-term access to space. Investing in bilateral relationships with the U.S. provides the UK with access to global space technologies and expands commercial opportunities within the growing space economy.

This new announcement presents potential export opportunities for U.S. companies with expertise in space technologies. U.S. companies have a worldwide reputation for innovative products and after-sales service which makes them competitive in the UK market.

To learn more about and partnering with a UK company, please contact PJ Menner, Aerospace and Defense Specialist at the U.S. Embassy London via PJ.Menner@trade.gov.