Enabling Technology Programme Funded Projects (2023 – ongoing)
Updated 22 January 2024
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1. ETP Call One
1.1 Lancaster University
E-band Traveling Wave Tubes for High Throughput Satellites
Design and creation of a high power, compact, low-cost E-band travelling wave tube amplifier to enable 5G and 6G high data transmission.
1.2 Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey
Plasma torch rocket electro-thermal thruster for space logistics (PLATOR)
Development of a new electro-thermal propulsion system to enhance in-orbit servicing, manufacturing and spacecraft manoeuvring.
1.3 Swansea University
Levitated opto-mechanical technologies in space (LOTIS)
This project develops key technologies, including nano-particle sourcing, conditioning, and optical trapping, to enable levitated opto-mechanics for large mass fundamental quantum mechanics experiments and inertial and space environment sensing.
1.4 University of Strathclyde
Micro LEDs for satellite quantum key distribution
Development integration of UV micro-LEDs to enable compact, low-power, robust sources for satellite quantum key distribution, which will support technology for encrypted communications.
1.5 Durham University
Advancing metal optics technology for space systems
This project aims to develop metal optics, enabling higher performance, more compact, instrument concepts for Earth Observation and for exploration missions.
1.6 Durham University
Looking up image slicers optimum capabilities in the extreme ultraviolet for space (LUCES)
Exploring image slicer technology in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) to develop the first ever EUV integral field spectrograph that could enable observations of the Sun and advance high energy astrophysics.
1.7 University of Southampton
Silicon photonic beam pointing for free space optical communications
Development of a novel beam steering chip for free-space optical communications, enabling fully solid-state communications.
1.8 Space Forge
Project Helios solar array
Development of a deployable and retractable solar array for use within a returnable spacecraft and to enable in-orbit servicing.
1.9 Imperial College London
Cold spray manufacturing for space (COSMOS)
Development of a cold spray metal additive to help in-orbit servicing, manufacturing and exploration missions.
2. ETP Call Two, joint with STFC
2.1 University of Southampton
Non-thermal plasma surface decontamination method for sensitive materials
Development of a sterilisation method using non-thermal plasma to support human spaceflight and exploration.
2.2 Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, UK
Global Lidar Altimetry MISsion: GLAMIS – UAV Demonstrator Phase
Development of a low SWaP light detection and ranging method (LiDAR) instrument that can be mounted onto unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to support Earth observation.
2.3 Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, UK
SPUD: Single photon upconversion detection
Development of low cost, room temperature photon counting detectors that can be used in imaging, sensing and optical communications.
2.4 University of Manchester
Rappelling and Exploration Robotics for Space Applications (RESA)
Development of alternative motion techniques that expand the range and operating capabilities for extra-terrestrial robotics, supporting future rover and exploration missions.
2.5 Imperial College London
Webs of Low-Resource Sensors and AI: Emerging Disruptive Technology for Magnetic Field Measurements in Space
Development of a new approach for magnetometer systems that reduces the need for booms on a spacecraft, helping to lower the cost of space science missions.
2.6 MDA Space and Robotics
STRIPE: Structured light for Robotics guidance, InsPection and Exploration
Development of a novel laser sensor to make complex, vision-based missions possible in poor illumination conditions.
2.7 RAL Space
Quantum magnetometry for Space Weather
Development of a highly stabilised laser which can be used in low Earth orbit to support space weather measurement.
2.8 MDA Space and Robotics UK
ROLO: ROtating Lidar for autonomous Operations
Development of short-range, rotating LiDAR, more efficient in terms of size, weight and power, that can be used in planetary surface robotics.
2.9 Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey
Novel Technologies for High Energy Proton Telescopes (HEPTEL)
Development of a detector for high energy particles that can be used in solar or cosmic ray missions and to enhance space weather predictions.
2.10 University of Southampton
Realising Raman Spectroscopy for Trace Detection of Biosignatures
Development of Raman-spectroscopy (which uses scattered light to measure vibrational energy of samples) for detecting low level biosignatures (substance that provide evidence of life), which will particularly support exploration of icy worlds, including the Moon and Mars.
2.11 University of Birmingham
Sub-Terahertz Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) for monitoring of GEO assets – STAR
Development of a new operational and technical capability to assess the state and condition of satellites from orbit using sub-THz radar imagery, supporting in-orbit service capabilities.
2.12 University of Leicester
Analytical Technique Development For Mars Sample Return with Planetary Protection
Development of sample return instrument boxes and portable sample containers to support rover and sample return missions.
2.13 Durham University
Wavelength-tuneable magneto-optical filters for the Solar Activity Monitoring Network
Development of a solar polarimeter (optical instrument used to determine polarisation of light samples) that can be wavelength-tuned to measure the solar magnetic field over several hundred kilometres depth within the second layer of the Sun’s atmosphere.
2.14 University of Hertfordshire
Dynamic Range Unleashed
Project to substantially increase the dynamic range of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging sensors to support astronomy, in collaboration with XCAM and the Open University.
3. ETP Call Three
3.1 University of Glasgow
NextSpace Testrig
Additive manufacturing material and process testing in a simulated space environment, enabling rapid, sustainable and cost-effective component qualification.
3.2 Teer Coatings Ltd
Novel solid lubricant coatings for space applications in air and in vacuum
Development of a novel bimetallic doped, thin-film MoS2 solid lubricant with long lifetime, low friction coefficient and stability under atmospheric conditions. An enabling technology for long duration missions.
3.3 Oxford Dynamics
Further Development of The Great Eye: Next-Generation AI-Based Space Situational Awareness Tool
Development of a long-range radar system capable of detecting objects in low Earth orbit, which could support space debris mitigation operations.
3.4 Newton Launch Systems
Nitrous Oxide Thermal Decomposition Monopropellant Thruster Prototype
Development of a nitrous oxide monopropellant thruster using induction heating as the trigger, with the aim of providing a solution to end-of-life satellite disposal.
3.5 University of Bristol
Advancing flood hazard modelling with the Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite mission
Use of data from NASA’s UK-backed Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission to improve order of magnitude accuracy for global flood modelling.
3.6 Orbit Fab
Grasping and Resupply Active Solution for Propellants (GRASP) - UK Active Refuelling Interface Development for RAFTI
Development of an in-orbit refuelling interface, using a grasping technique, to enhance satellite servicing solutions that support sustainable space operations.
3.7 University of Strathclyde
Hyperspectral Technology for Close Proximity Navigation (HyperNav)
Development of a technique combining hyperspectral technology (imagine using a wide electromagnetic spectrum) with machine learning to determine the movement of space objects, with could support active debris removal operations.
3.8 GMV
REALM: VR Aided Spacecraft Refuelling for IOSM V&V
Development of a novel distributed simulation environment using a robotic testbed with digital twins and cutting-edge extended reality to verify and validate IOSM operations. An enabling technology for in orbit refuelling and satellite servicing.
3.9 University of Glasgow
Experimental development of autophage rocket propulsion system technologies for small satellite rapid low-earth orbit access
Pilot scale testing of an autophage (self-consuming) propulsion system – whereby the spacecraft consumes its own body as fuel – which supports scalable, cost-effective low Earth orbit access.