Expression of interest: Small-satellite missions sandpit
Expression of interest: Small-satellite missions sandpit supports interdisciplinary teams to develop Earth observation mission concepts for UK sovereign capability, security, societal benefit and economic growth.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: November 25, 2026, 4:00pm UK time (EOI) | March 18, 2027, 4:00pm UK time (Invited full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to £1.87 million total at 100% full economic cost, shared across approximately five or six projects; UKRI funds 80%; maximum 11 months
Summary: Supports interdisciplinary teams developing small-satellite Earth observation mission concepts for UK sovereign capability, national security, societal benefit and economic growth.
Key Information: Attendance at every online and in-person sandpit session is mandatory and does not guarantee funding.
Description
This UKRI Space Programme sandpit brings together approximately 30 researchers and innovators to form collaborations and co-develop ambitious, challenge-led small-satellite Earth observation mission concepts. Participants will work with space, defence and environmental stakeholders, combining innovative sensors, data streams and cross-sector technologies to address real-world user needs. Highly innovative approaches are preferred over incremental development.
Selected teams may receive pump-priming funding for phase 0 feasibility studies, translating operational goals into preliminary system requirements. Studies should consider the full chain from sensors to end-user information: user requirements, mission objectives, a preliminary business case, capability gaps, payloads, platforms, orbits and usable data streams. Priorities include more affordable and efficient satellite data, expanded data usability, onboard filtering, real-time alerts, constellation collaboration and secure UK-owned and operated capability.
