Satellite Applications Catapult and WholeShip announce strategic collaboration to advance UK autonomous systems and connectivity capabilities
Alice Charlton
25 September 2025 — Satellite Applications Catapult and WholeShip Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on strengthening the UK’s test and evaluation network for autonomous systems, connectivity, and satellite-enabled services. The collaboration will bring together the Catapult’s expertise in satellite connectivity and WholeShip’s operational testbed capabilities to accelerate innovation for the UK’s autonomy supply chain. It will directly benefit SMEs, UAV manufacturers, and organisations developing dual-use technologies.
Richard Lowe, Chief Technology Officer at Satellite Applications Catapult, said:
“Drones and other autonomous systems are important to the UK’s future economy and security. Space services – like navigation, mapping and communications – are a key enabler of that autonomous world. This agreement with WholeShip strengthens the UK’s test and evaluation capabilities for space-enabled autonomous systems. It combines SAC’s facilities, services and ecosystem support, with WholeShip’s test environments and autonomy know-how. Together, we are ensuring that SMEs have access to the infrastructure they need to accelerate safe adoption and keep the UK at the forefront of global innovation.”
Helen Stembridge, Director at WholeShip Ltd, said:
“Partnering with Satellite Applications Catapult allows us to combine our unique operational testbeds with first-rate space-enabled capabilities and expertise. This collaboration will expand opportunities for UK companies to develop and refine new UAV solutions in real-world conditions. By working together, we can provide access to segregated airspace at scale, world class infrastructure and the deep subject matter expertise needed to strengthen the UK supply chain. This will support delivery at pace of future-ready technologies for both commercial and defence applications.”
Marking a major step towards global leadership in autonomous systems, the partnership will fast-track critical infrastructure, strengthen the UK’s testing and evaluation capabilities, and empower innovators to deliver the next generation of technologies.
This agreement will unlock new potential in UK test sites through cutting-edge connectivity, including 5G and satellite communications, enabling safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. It will give SMEs and UAV manufacturers affordable, world-class facilities to trial, validate and accelerate their products to market.
The Satellite Applications Catapult’s Drone Test and Development Centre features multiple open flying areas in a secure environment with technical workshops and testing capabilities that support BVLOS, pilot training and remote flight operations. Find out more on our website or get in touch with facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk to find out how our ACE Mission team can support you.
WholeShip’s National Drone Hub is the only CAA accredited test site for UAS BVLOS in the UK. To find out more about our hub with access to 8000 sq km of segregated airspace in an area of ultra-low population density, see our website or get in touch with enquiries@wholeship.co.uk