The first collaborative activity within the UK-Australia Space Bridge framework has been launched by SmartSat CRC, UK Science and Innovation Network, and the Satellite Applications Catapult with the support of Austrade and the Australian Space Agency.

SmartSat CRC and the Satellite Applications Catapult will fund research projects that align to the mutual benefits of both countries and create collaboration through the Space Bridge.  These preliminary phase projects aim to develop and foster partnerships across academia and industry in both the UK and Australia. It is expected the projects will lead to larger collaborative research projects that grow industry capacity, provide an innovative end-product or capability, and build upon the respective space ecosystems of each country.  

It is anticipated four projects, which must be completed by 30 June 2022, will be funded up to AUD$100,000 (GBP50,000) per project. SmartSat CRC will be manage the assessment process, in collaboration with the UK Science and Innovation Network and the Satellite Applications Catapult.   Projects should involve UK and Australia partners and align to the SA Catapult Roadmap or SmartSat CRC Strategic Plan.

View the Space Bridge Project Call here.

View the full media release here.