Five projects from across the UK will use satellite data to help improve the delivery of public services, following new funding from the UK Space Agency.
The new projects bring space companies together with public sector partners, including local councils and government agencies. They will use data from existing satellite networks to help monitor the safety of buildings and infrastructure, track animal and plant life, identify methane leaks and ensure farmers can access the right government support schemes.
“By bringing together innovative space companies with public sector partners, we’re demonstrating that space technology delivers practical benefits here on Earth. From monitoring biodiversity to ensuring infrastructure safety, these initiatives show how satellite data can drive efficiency, sustainability and better decision-making,” said Harshbir Sangha, director of missions and capabilities at the UK Space Agency.
“This investment reflects our commitment to establishing the UK as a global leader in space-enabled public services, creating a blueprint for how space technology can address some of our most pressing societal challenges.”
More than £2.5 million of funding comes after a joint call for proposals from the UK Space Agency and ESA’s InCubed2 programme, which was launched in July 2024.
“For some time, we have been working with our members and through our committees to highlight how the space industry can bring immense value to the public sector, so we are very encouraged to see the Government recognising the opportunity,” said UKspace executive director, Colin Baldwin.
Putting satellite data to work
Geospatial Ventures in Nottingham is developing a system that tracks tiny movements in buildings, bridges and other structures to spot potential safety issues early. The system uses special radar technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to constantly monitor infrastructure that might be difficult or expensive to check manually. This provides a safer, more efficient way to survey large sites without sending engineers to dangerous locations.
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AAC Clyde Space in Glasgow is creating a tool that helps farmers support wildlife on their land. Using their own constellation of satellites that frequently capture detailed images, the system will show farmers exactly what plants and animals are living on their land. This will help farmers make better decisions about sustainable farming and access government support schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
GHGSat UK in London is developing an advanced analytics platform that turns satellite data about greenhouse gases into practical information the government can use for increased accountability across emitting organisations and tailored mitigation strategies. Their constellation of satellites, which trace the source of greenhouse gases directly to industrial facilities focuses particularly on methane, providing accurate data within hours of an emission to help the UK government make informed decisions about reducing these harmful gases.
Earth-i in Guildford is building a system that creates environmental information from satellite images by developing novel indicators for environmental land monitoring. It will provide analytics directly to the Rural Payments Agency, which manages farming subsidies and environmental schemes. The service will help monitor land changes and support sustainable land management across the UK.
HR Wallingford in Oxfordshire is leading a project that uses satellite information to help improve plant and animal diversity. Working with multiple partners, including Water Resources South East, it is developing ways to use Earth Observation data to track biodiversity changes over time. This will help landowners, developers and public bodies protect and enhance natural habitats and support the UK government’s biodiversity net gain requirements.
New funding offered for climate services
On Monday the Living Planet Symposium hosted a signing of the ground segment development contract awarded to Telespazio UK for the TRUTHS mission, a UK-led climate mission developed with the European Space Agency. Telespazio UK will be responsible for designing and developing the ground systems needed to receive, process, and distribute TRUTHS satellite data. This means accurate climate data can reach scientists, policymakers, and organisations worldwide to support better climate monitoring and action.
The UK Space Agency is also due to launch a climate funding call, offering up to £300,000 in funding to help UK organisations develop new climate services using Earth Observation satellite data. These small grants, between £40,000 and £80,000 per project, are aimed at supporting early ideas that improve tools or services for tackling climate change, protecting nature, or helping society make more informed decisions for the planet.
