At the UK Space Agency, we are committed to building a truly national space ecosystem; one that draws on the strengths of every part of the UK. Wales is home to a dynamic and fast-growing space sector, and we’re proud to support its continued growth with a dedicated funding boost.
Delivered through our Devolved Administrations Programme, this £247,000 funding will help deliver on the ambitions set out in Wales: A Sustainable Space Nation – the Welsh space strategy published in 2022. Working in partnership with Space Wales and the Welsh Government, the programme is designed to unlock new opportunities for businesses, researchers, and communities, driving local growth and supporting innovation.
Driving sustainable growth across the UK
We want to build one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world. A big part of this mission is ensuring that every region of the UK plays a role in the sector’s success.
This new round of funding – announced ahead of World Space Week (4–10 October) – will enable organisations across Wales to deliver targeted, high-impact projects that support the goal of becoming a sustainable space nation. Funding is divided into two strands, ensuring opportunities are available for both early-stage innovators and established cluster partners.
Antonia Yendell, Head of Space Ecosystem Development at the UK Space Agency, said:
“Wales is home to a dynamic and fast-growing space sector, and we’re proud to support its continued development through this targeted funding call. By working in partnership with Space Wales and the Welsh Government, we are supporting innovative projects that align with Wales’ space strategy. By helping to unlock new opportunities for businesses, researchers and communities in Wales, we are driving local growth, and this reflects our commitment to building a truly national space ecosystem, one that draws on the strengths of every part of the UK.”
A thriving Welsh space sector
The Welsh space sector already contributes £345 million annually to the economy, sustaining over 1,700 jobs across more than 105 organisations. It is home to an impressive mix of strengths, including an environment suited for spaceplane operations, advanced optical tracking and telemetry, and 7,100 sq km of segregated airspace with no ceiling.
Dr Rosie Cane, Cluster Development Manager at Space Wales, said:
“We’re excited to work with the UK Space Agency, Welsh Government and the Space Wales Community to deliver innovative projects that support Wales’ ambition of becoming a sustainable space nation. It’s been a fantastic year for the Welsh space sector, with milestones including Space Forge launching the first Welsh-built satellite into orbit, B2Space launching STRATOLASER, a breakthrough project aiming to revolutionise active debris removal, and the opening of world-class facilities at Snowdonia Space Centre. We’re looking forward to what comes next.”
Apply for funding
We are inviting applications from organisations across Wales that can demonstrate:
- Clear alignment with Wales: A Sustainable Space Nation
- Measurable outcomes and benefits
- Collaborative approaches across academia, industry, or local authorities
- Strengthening of the wider Welsh space ecosystem
Companies have until 24 October 2025 to apply via GOV.UK. All projects must be completed by 31 March 2026.
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