Notice

Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Published 4 March 2026

1. Overview

This FAQ document supports applicants to the UK Space Agency C‑LEO Call 2: ARTES Only. It consolidates common queries from previous Calls and clarifies requirements specific to this Call. It should be read alongside the Call Guidance and associated templates.

References to the UK Space Agency should be understood in the context of the UK Government’s decision to integrate the Agency within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). This organisational change does not affect the scope of this Call, the application process, eligibility requirements, assessment criteria, or funding decisions, all of which remain unchanged.

This FAQ will be updated as needed. Applicants should always rely on the latest published Guidance and official communications.

2. About the Call

2.1 What is the purpose of the UK Space Agency C‑LEO Call 2: ARTES Only?

The Call aims to accelerate the development and industrialisation of advanced satellite telecommunications technologies for Low Earth Orbit (LEO), supporting UK leadership in high‑volume constellation markets and alignment with the objectives of the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C‑LEO) Programme. Delivery is through the European Space Agency’s ARTES programme, with UK National Delegate support provided by the UK Space Agency (and, where applicable, its successor arrangements within DSIT).

2.2 Why is this Call ARTES-Only?

This Call is ARTES‑only in response to feedback from applicants that the previous Call, which combined both ARTES and National funding routes, was confusing.

Delivering this Call solely through the ARTES programme provides greater clarity for applicants and ensures a clear distinction between funding mechanisms. It also supports a more consistent and transparent assessment process for reviewers by aligning all applications to a single programme, set of requirements and evaluation framework.

2.3 When will the next General ARTES Call be?

The UK Space Agency intends to open an ARTES General Call towards the end of this year or the beginning of next year. Further details, including scope and timings, will be published in due course through official UK Government communications.

2.4 Will there be a National C-LEO Call?

Yes. The UK Space Agency is currently developing a separate UK‑only National C‑LEO Call. Further information will be published in due course, with the Call expected to open in the summer.

2.5 What technologies are in scope?

Projects must focus on satellite telecommunications and align with one or more of the following technology areas:

• On‑Board (Regenerative) Processing
• Active Antennas
• Optical Links
• Networking and Routing
• User Terminals

Projects should typically start at TRL 4–5 and aim to reach TRL 7 or above by project end, with a credible route to market and industrialisation.

2.6 Are non‑telecommunications projects eligible?

No. ARTES is a telecommunications programme. Projects primarily focused on other domains (for example, Earth Observation, science missions or climate monitoring) are not eligible unless the activity is clearly and primarily justified within a telecommunications context.

3. Funding and Eligibility

3.1 How much funding is available?

The total funding envelope is £30,000,000, the UK Space Agency contribution to the project and is set at a minimum of £3,000,000.  

Each application will have a lower threshold of £3,000,000 of UK Space Agency funding that will need to be met in order for the project to be eligible for funding. The lower threshold has been put in place to ensure we are able to support large scale, ambitious projects that meet the programme objective to accelerate industrialisation of the satellite communication sector in the UK.

3.2 What match‑funding rates apply?

Indicative maximum UK Government funding contributions are:

• Large or non‑SME Entities: up to 50%
• Small or Mid-Sized Entities: up to 75%
• Universities/Research Institutes (with no commercial interest, ≤30% of total cost): up to 100%
• Universities/Research Institutes (with commercial interest): up to 75%

Final rates are applied at the discretion of the UK National Delegate on a case-by-case basis.

3.3 Who can lead an application?

Only UK‑based organisations can lead. Commercial companies must be registered in the UK (Companies House). The lead organisation is responsible for the full submission and providing all consortium information.

3.4 Can non‑UK organisations participate?

Yes, but they cannot receive UK Government funding. Essential non‑UK capabilities may be subcontracted where clearly justified and declared at Stage One. Non‑UK partners may also participate using their own funding or support from their National Delegation.

4. Costs and Compliance

4.1 Are licensing, regulatory or spectrum filing costs eligible?

No. UK Government funding will not support licensing or regulatory compliance activities, including spectrum filings, in the UK or overseas. However, applicants must demonstrate a viable and policy‑aligned approach to spectrum use.

4.2 What travel and subsistence costs are allowed?

Reasonable travel and subsistence may be supported where value for money is demonstrated. Alcohol, entertainment, lobbying, marketing activity and conference attendance are ineligible.

4.3 Are exchange rates fixed?

No, exchange rates are not fixed. Applicants must submit indicative costs in Pound Sterling (GBP) at Stage One, as the documents at this stage are for UK Space Agency use only.

For Stage Two, the ESA Outline Proposal requests all costs are submitted in euros (€), in line with ESA requirements. Applicants may include the GBP equivalent in brackets where project figures are requested. Applicants are responsible for managing any associated exchange‑rate risk.

5. Application Process

5.1 What are the key dates?

• Call Opens: Wednesday 4 March 2026 (12:00 GMT)
• UK Space Agency Application Form Deadline: Monday 13 April 2026 (12:00 GMT)
• Notification of Outcomes: by Friday 8 May 2026
• ESA Outline Proposal & UK Space Agency Annex Deadline: Friday 12 June 2026 (12:00 GMT)

Further indicative dates are provided in the Call Guidance.

5.2 How many applications can an organisation submit?

Organisations may submit more than one application, but quality is prioritised. Submissions considered vexatious or incomplete will not be considered.

5.3 Is there an applicant webinar?

No live applicant webinar will be held for this Call. A pre‑recorded presentation covering the Call objectives, assessment criteria and timelines will be made available on the Call webpage.

Applicants may submit clarification questions to the Telecoms mailbox (telecoms@ukspaceagency.gov.uk) using the subject line “UK Space Agency C‑LEO Call 2: ARTES Only – FAQ”. Where appropriate, questions and responses will be anonymised and incorporated into updates of this FAQ document.

5.4 Will there be an in-person event?

No live or in‑person event will be held specifically for this Call.

However, the UK Space Agency expects to attend a number of industry events, including Mobile World Congress (MWC), Satellite Show (SatShow) and SpaceComm London. Applicants are welcome to engage with the Telecommunications team at these events if they wish to discuss the Call in more detail.

5.5 Can applications be reviewed or pre‑assessed before submission?

No. The UK National Delegate will not review or pre‑assess applications at Stage One or Stage Two, nor provide informal assessments of proposals ahead of submission. Clarification questions may be submitted to the Telecoms mailbox (telecoms@ukspaceagency.gov.uk).

However, at Stage Three, applicants may access support through the ESA Proposal Advisory Service (ESA PAS). For further information and any questions please contact: ESA-PAS@ukspaceagency.gov.uk. To register your interest in using this service, please complete the following form: ESA PAS Triage Form.

6. Assessment and Outcomes

6.1 How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed competitively by the UK National Delegate with support from ESA, against the published Stage One and Stage Two criteria. These cover:

Stage One:

• Strategic Fit
• Value for Money
• Catalyse Investment

Stage Two:

• Strategic Fit
• Value for Money
• Catalyse Investment
• Project Management
• Technical Feasibility
• Environmental
• Benefits

6.2 Can proposals from previous Calls be resubmitted?

Yes. Previously unsuccessful proposals may be resubmitted, provided that feedback from the UK Space Agency and/or the European Space Agency has been appropriately addressed and the proposal aligns with the objectives and purpose of this Call. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Call Guidance in full before resubmitting to ensure the proposal is within the scope and requirements of the Call.

6.3 Will feedback be provided?

Applicants may receive feedback, particularly if unsuccessful at Stage Two. The level of feedback may vary.

7. Common Challenges and Application Issues

7.1 What are the most common reasons proposals are ruled out of scope or not taken forward?

Based strictly on the Call Guidance, proposals are most commonly ruled out or scored poorly for the following reasons:

• Not primarily telecommunications‑focused: Proposals centred on non‑telecommunications objectives (e.g. Earth Observation, science missions or climate monitoring) without a clear and dominant telecommunications rationale.
• Weak alignment with C‑LEO objectives: Insufficient evidence of how the project accelerates industrialisation, supports high‑volume constellation markets, builds UK onshore capability or catalyses private investment.
• Ineligible or poorly justified costs: Inclusion of ineligible activities such as licensing, regulatory compliance, spectrum filings, marketing, lobbying, conference attendance or excessive travel and subsistence.
• Misalignment with matched‑funding levels: Proposals that request funding above the approved intervention rates or fail to demonstrate compliant and credible matched funding in line with the Call Guidance.
• Non‑UK leadership or excessive non‑UK spend: Lead organisations not UK‑based, or non‑UK spend not clearly justified as essential and declared at Stage One.
• Insufficient technical maturity or progression: Projects that do not credibly demonstrate an appropriate starting Technology Readiness Level (typically TRL 4–5) or lack a convincing plan to progress to TRL 7 or above by project end.
• Weak route to market or industrialisation plan: Limited evidence of commercial viability, market demand or credible plans for scale‑up beyond the funded activity.
• Incomplete or non‑compliant submissions: Missing required information, exceeding question limits, altering templates or submitting documents via the wrong portal or after published deadlines.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review Sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Call Guidance before submission to ensure full compliance.

8. Confidentiality and Publication

8.1 How is confidentiality handled?

All applications are treated as confidential by the UK National Delegate and ESA. Successful project summaries may be published, but detailed proposal information remains confidential. Sensitive content should be clearly marked “Commercial in Confidence.”

9. Further Support

9.1 Who should I contact for questions?

All queries should be directed to telecoms@ukspaceagency.gov.uk, quoting the call title “UK Space Agency C‑LEO Call 2: ARTES Only” and your UK Space Agency reference number where applicable.