The UK Space Agency is introducing a fresh initiative named “Unlocking Space for Business” aimed at assisting businesses in harnessing the advantages of satellite data and services.
At present, global satellite services play a crucial role in bolstering the UK economy, contributing approximately £370 billion, which represents about 17.7% of our GDP.
With the decreasing cost of space access and a rapid pace of innovation, more businesses are now poised to leverage the benefits of satellites, encompassing advanced imaging, connectivity, and navigation capabilities.
A Vision for Enhanced Business Access to Satellite Data
The “Unlocking Space for Business” program spans over 18 months and is tailored to extend these untapped advantages to numerous new organizations throughout the UK, with a specific emphasis on the prominent transport and logistics as well as financial services sectors.
Potential applications encompass leveraging satellite imagery for enhancing climate variable measurements and verifying insurance claims for customers in the aftermath of extreme weather events.
 Additionally, the program aims to utilize satellite positioning and navigation for efficient location tracking, facilitating the movement of individuals, and enhancing satellite connectivity to enable seamless communication for crew members and passengers with operators and their families onshore.
Unlocking Hidden Data: Business-Critical Insights
Unlocking Space for Business is set to provide a comprehensive support system, including workshops, networking events, educational sessions, and online resources, to assist companies in comprehending the potential of satellite data and services in their operations.
Moreover, the program will present the opportunity for businesses to compete for a portion of the up to £6 million in UK Space Agency funding, scheduled for later this year. This funding can be used to kickstart innovative pilot projects, acquire data, or establish valuable partnerships.
Dr. Paul Bate, the CEO of the UK Space Agency, expressed that “Unlocking Space for Business” will actively promote space utilization and address the challenges faced by organizations that have traditionally not engaged with satellite data or services.Â
Connecting with Funding Opportunities for Satellite Tech Projects
This initiative represents just one facet of our efforts to realize the objectives outlined in the National Space Strategy: forging a highly innovative and appealing space economy on a global scale. In doing so, we aim to foster the development of fresh skills and job opportunities.
Satellite data and services hold the potential to unlock a wealth of opportunities, such as new avenues for revenue growth, enhanced operational efficiency, improved customer interactions, and the promotion of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) benefits for organizations.
Unlocking Space for Business is poised to facilitate connections between prominent data suppliers, technology integrators, insight providers, and end-users, with the goal of promoting the creation and uptake of inventive solutions utilizing satellite data and services.
The execution of this project enjoys the backing of PwC, a front-runner in human-driven, technology-empowered business transformation, along with the Satellite Applications Catapult, a pioneer in the commercialization of space-based services.”
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Accelerating Satellite Solutions in the Private Sector
Faye Melly, a delivery partner at PwC, commented, “Modern businesses are confronted with substantial challenges that necessitate innovative responses. Their agendas may encompass endeavors such as enhancing operational efficiency, elevating customer satisfaction, and striving for Net Zero environmental objectives.Â
We are enthusiastic and honored to be part of the team delivering ‘Unlocking Space for Business,’ which offers UK companies the opportunity to harness the advantages of satellite data and services.Â
Interested organizations have the opportunity to express their interest in participating in the project and stay informed about forthcoming activities, which encompass Insight and Networking Events, Exploration Workshops, as well as educational and skill-building sessions. This will prepare them for the funding application phase set to launch later in the year.
Lucy Edge, serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO at the Satellite Applications Catapult, expressed her enthusiasm for the launch of “Unlocking Space for Business.”Â
This initiative aims to facilitate collaboration among essential stakeholders within the satellite industry, technology integrators, and end-users, ultimately simplifying access to critical data that businesses may not have been aware of previously.Â
Lucy noted that satellite services are catalysts for innovation across diverse industries and have the potential to bolster businesses’ profitability. By nurturing these partnerships and supportive structures, the objective is to expedite the widespread adoption of satellite solutions within the private sector.