Facilities for Academia - Satellite Applications Catapult
Turning Ideas into Space Innovation

Facilities for Academia

We believe world class research deserves world class facilities.

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Timeline
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Introduction

The Facilities for Academia gives UK based academics from PhD level and above the opportunity to access the Satellite Applications Catapult’s cutting-edge facilities free of charge.

Whether you are testing drones, antennas and RF systems, exploring additive manufacturing or trialling in orbit assembly concepts, this support could help you validate your ideas, accelerate your technology readiness and deliver real world impact.

Please note: the Satellite Applications Catapult reserves the right to adjust the scheduling of facility usage as required should you be funded and this may be on short notice.

Timeline

Successful Applicants

1 October 2025

Applications Open

Successful Applicants

1 December 2025

Deadline to Apply

Successful Applicants

5 December 2025

Awards Announced

Successful Applicants

5 January – 21 December 2026

Facility Access

What We Are Looking For

We drive innovation and economic growth in the space sector, bridging the gap between research and industry, and helps to turn high-potential ideas into real-world applications.

This opportunity will support academics to access world-class facilities, enabling demonstrations and feasibility testing of novel concepts, with a principal goal of accelerating the TRL of their technologies – a key measure of successful support programmes. There will be clear consideration of the importance of the technology, how it will deliver benefits, and to whom, and a demonstration of what the next steps may be.

We actively encourage bold and novel proposals, including those that may carry a higher risk of failure. Unlike some traditional funding routes, the Catapult’s role is to help de-risk innovation and support its journey toward industry adoption. We recognise that transformative ideas often come with uncertainty, and we are here to help navigate that path.

Find Out More

  • What's on Offer

    • In-kind funding with an individual award maximum of up to £20,000 in facility access including technical support per successful applicant
    • Use of specialist labs, testing environments and support, tailored to your project’s bespoke requirements
    • Access to additional facilities or expertise required within your proposal may be available to you at a discounted academic rate
    • Support to advance your project’s TRL and build industry connections

  • Who Can Apply

    • PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and academic / research staff
    • Must be employed by a UK university or research organisation
    • Have an idea that aligns with our missions and an overall ambition to grow the UK space sector

  • Assessment Criteria

    • Applications will be reviewed by a Satellite Applications Catapult selection panel, and receive in-kind funding to access Catapult facilities, taking into consideration the following:

    1. Rationale and vision

    To what extent does the proposal demonstrate a clear and compelling rationale for advancing technology readiness levels, with a well-defined aim, including applications and benefits, and further key information such as potential route to market.

    2. Outputs, outcomes and impact

    To what extent does the proposal demonstrate a clear pathway from outputs to outcomes and impact, supported by the effective use of in-kind funding.

    3. Wider benefits

    To what extent does the proposal demonstrate alignment with the Catapult’s Mission(s) and potential to strengthen the wider space ecosystem

    For full details please click here >>

  • What We Will Not Fund

    • Funding to access the facility outside of the grant period
    • Health and Safety: Risk Assessments (please refer to Terms & Conditions)
    • Travel and Subsistence
    • PPE
    • Any consumables required, for example (but not exclusively) materials for advanced manufacturing, connectors and cables

    Trusted Research and Innovation

    The Catapult is committed to ensuring that research and development happens with integrity and within strong ethical frameworks. Research should be as open as possible, and as secure as necessary.  Applicants will be asked to demonstrate how their proposed project will deliver on trusted research and innovation, identifying potential risks and the relevant controls you will put in place to help proportionately reduce these risks.

    Next Steps

    Watch the Launch Webinar

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