Apply for funding: space-related R&D, innovation and education

Open opportunities

There are currently no funding opportunities open for applications.

Closed opportunities

These funding opportunities are not currently open to applicants but are expected to be open for applications in future.

Exploration Science Microgravity grant

Funding type: Academic research grant
Who can apply: UK based researchers with facility access to microgravity/space environments research platforms
Funding: Up to £5,000 per grant (see announcement
Deadline: 11 April 2022

This UK Space Agency grant supports the preparation of experiments that use microgravity and other space environment research platforms.

Space Placements in Industry (SPIN)

Funding type: Work placement support
Who can apply: Organisations offering a work placement
Funding: Up to £3,000 per award (fund of at least £75,000)
Deadline: 1 April 2022

SPIN offers grants of up to £3,000 for organisations to take on graduate or postgraduate students for work placements in the space industry. Learn more about the Space Placements in Industry (SPIN): Award scheme 2022, including eligibility, project suitability, how to apply and more.

Space for All community award scheme

Funding type: Education projects
Who can apply: Academic and research institutions, charitites, trusts and companies, and individuals sponsored by one of these
Funding: Grants of up to £10k (from at least £65k total fund)
Deadline: 18 February 2022

The Space for All community award scheme makes grants of up to £10,000 available for winning proposals for educational projects that capitalise on the inspirational value of space. The deadline for proposals for the 2022 scheme was 18 February.

Horizon Europe

Funding type: Research, innovation and development
Who can apply: Varies but generally universities, scientific communities and industry, including small and medium enterprises
Funding: Dependent upon opportunity
Deadline: 16 February 2022

Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of over €95.5 billion. Organisations and individuals in the United Kingdom can participate through the UK’s association to Horizon Europe by means of a protocol to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The 2021-2022 work programme for Digital, Industry and Space included space-relatead calls for funding applications.

National Space Technology Programme

Funding type: Tech development
Who can apply: Businesses operating in the UK space and related sectors
Funding: Varies, see guidance
Deadline: Not currently open to applications

This programme makes funding opportunities available for early-stage technology development projects that help to grow the UK’s space sector and capability. Read more about the National Space Technology Programme.

National Space Innovation Programme

Funding type: Research and innovation
Who can apply: UK organisations that can demonstrate a high probabiliity of success meeting the aims of a qualifying opportunity
Funding: Maximum £2m per project from a £10m fund
Deadline: Not currently open to applications

This programme supports the development of innovative products, services and technologies that have application in the space sector. Read more about the National Space Innovation Programme

International Partnership Programme

Funding type: Innovation and sustainable development
Who can apply: Organisations who can deliver a project that delivers a sustainable satellite-enabled solution to partners in a developing country
Funding: Up to £8m per project, from a total fund of over £30m per year
Deadline: Not currently open to applications

The International Partnership Programme is a £150m initiative that makes use of the UK space sector’s research and innovation strengths to provide sustainable economic, societal or environmental benefits to emerging and developing economies around the world. It launched in 2016.

Find out more about the International Partnership Programme.