LONDON, March 30 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
The satellites, developed by Spire Global and AAC Clyde Spacein Glasgow,are backed byUK Space Agency funding delivered through the European Space Agency's Pioneer Programme, whichhelpsemergingUK space companies become new mission providers.The Pioneer Programme falls within the programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES).
The government hasidentifiedsatellite communications asa priority areafor further support, due toitsincreasinglyimportant roleinboth civil and defence applications,fromdeliveringbroadband servicestoremote areastoproviding secureconnectivityformilitary operations.As part of this commitment, theUK Space Agency willinvest more than £600 million insatellite communicationsresearch & developmentover the coming years.
Optical inter-satellite links tested by Spire Global UK
Oneof the satellites waslaunched by Spire Global UK to test an innovative optical inter-satellite link (ISL) payload. Designed todemonstratehigh-speed laser crosslinks on a compact 6U platform, the mission aims to significantly reduce data latency for aviation, maritime, weather and space-weather services. The technology, oncevalidated, will support near-real-time global data delivery across nanosatellite constellations.
AAC Clyde SpacedemonstratesUK's high-volume production capability
As part of thexSPANCIONproject, two satellites were developed by AAC Clyde Space, in collaboration with several UK partners, including Bright Ascension Ltd., the University of Strathclyde, the Satellite Applications Catapult, Alden Legal and D-Orbit UK. These satellitesrepresentthe first in-orbit demonstration of the UK's emerging high-volume, low-cost satellite production and operations capability.
The satellites will form part of VIREON™, AAC Clyde Space's new constellation designed to enhance decision-making across agriculture,forestryand environmental management, delivering space-enabled insights to governments,industryand environmental organisations.
Supportinggrowth and innovationin Scotland and across the UK
Together, the missions strengthen British capability across optical ISL technologies, volume manufacturing, advanced operationsplatformsand high-skilled jobs across the UK supply chain. They also demonstrate Glasgow's position as the leading city for small satellite manufacturing in Europe.
Henny Sands, Head of Telecommunications at the UK Space Agency, said:
This Transporter-16 launch marksan important stepforward for the UK's ambitions in next-generation satellite communications. By supporting both breakthrough optical technologies and high-volume production methods, we are enabling British companies to lead in the markets that will define the future of global connectivity.
Companies can also applyto an openfunding call fromthe UK Space Agency's Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme,with £30 million currently availableto support the development of new components and technologies forsatellite constellations, with a further funding call dueto open later this year.
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