UK Space Agency calls for proposals for International Space Partnerships

The UK Space Agency has issued a call for proposals for the International Bilateral Fund which aims to strengthen UK space sector partnerships with strategic and emerging space nations.

Applications close at noon on 9 June 2023 (London time).

The program will provide funding to UK industry, academia and research organisations to work with international partners on projects that could help, for example, bring new services to market or support cutting-edge research. The UK lead can transfer up to 80% of the total grant to its international partners.

The UK Space Agency is launching a £20 million ($39 million) fund to support international partnerships that will harness the UK’s national strengths, support new space capabilities and catalyse investment.

Up to £2 million ($3.9 million) will initially be available from the International Bilateral Fund (IBF) to help strengthen the space sector’s partnerships with other space nations, with further funding to be made available over the next two years.

The UK Space Agency is particularly looking for projects involving partners from Australia, USA, Canada or japan.

Projects are expected to:

• Establish or strengthen international partnerships with key strategic countries
• Generate investment into the UK space sector
• Develop UK capabilities or solutions in line with UKSA priorities and national Space Strategy Aims

Up to £75,000 ($146,000) or more is available for 4-month projects under Phase 1: Concept Call. Successful projects will then be eligible to apply for Phase 2 funding of up to 31.5 million ($2.9 million) over 12 months. Co-investment by international partners is not required for Phase 1 but will be required in Phase 2.

Applications close at noon on 9 June 2023 (London time).