Expression of interest: Small-satellite missions sandpit

Open UKRI funding opportunity · Grant. Closes 2026-11-25. Total fund £1.87 million. Opportunity page: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/small-satellite-missions-sandpit/

Apply to attend a sandpit to develop small satellite Earth observation mission concepts using innovative sensors and data streams enabled by other transversal technologies. Projects should deliver sovereign capability for national security and defence, societal benefit, and economic growth.

Around 30 participants will be invited to co-create ambitious projects. Selected teams will be invited forward to apply for 11-month pump-priming projects starting on 1 May 2027.

Successful projects will share up to £1.87 million at 100% full economic cost (FEC). UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC.

You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.

You must complete an expression of interest to apply by 25 November 2026 4:00pm UK time. The sandpit sessions will be held between 26 January and 10 February 2027. Attendance at all online and in-person sessions is mandatory.

What we're looking for Aim

The aim of the sandpit is to bring together researchers and innovators from different disciplines to build new collaborations and co-develop ambitious, challenge-led, small satellite Earth observation mission concepts. These concepts will combine innovative sensors and data streams as well as further cross-sector technologies, to meet user needs and benefit UK sovereign capability, national security, society, and economic growth. Participants will work with stakeholders from the space, defence and environmental sectors to address a range of real-world challenges.

Alignment with UK government strategy and the UKRI Delivery Plan

This sandpit is part of the UKRI Space Programme’s activities to meet the goals of the UKRI Delivery Plan 2026 to 2027. It will contribute to UKRI’s objective of aligning its portfolio with government’s priorities, including the five missions and Industrial Strategy…