A Bath-based company has been awarded more than £75,000 of government funding to develop technology that could make it easier for companies to get rockets and satellites into space.
LENA Space’s pump testing facilities
The grant will allow LENA Space to develop a rocket engine called the Modular Propulsion Engine (MPE) for launch vehicles.
The company is working to devise an off-the-shelf engine that launch companies, both national and international, can build their vehicles around.
Science Minister Amanda Solloway said: “This investment will help UK space businesses fast-track innovative technologies with real scientific and commercial potential, supporting our aim for the UK to secure 10 percent of the global space market by 2030.
“From observing climate change from space to protecting our satellites from hazardous space debris, these technologies could expand our reach in space and improve life here on Earth.”
Charles McCausland, Head of Major Projects and Technology Development, UK Space Agency, said: “The UK Space Agency has a strong track record of backing early-stage technologies with future potential, and these five projects promise to pave the way for further space innovation.
“As the UK extends its ambitions for the space sector, early support of this kind could prove decisive in helping us get ahead in an increasingly competitive global environment.”
The UK’s space industry generates an income of £14.8 billion each year. The UK Space Agency works with industry and academia to fund new technologies, boost skills, promote growth and inspire careers in the space sector.
