Can microgravity help unlock better products, processes or scientific insight for your organisation?
The Satellite Applications Catapult is seeking expressions of interest from UK organisations and consortia interested in conducting research, testing, validation or manufacturing activities in microgravity, on board the International Space Station.
The UK Microgravity Demonstration Programme will support high-potential projects that could benefit from accessing microgravity as a commercial advantage. The programme is designed to reduce barriers to entry by combining technical support, ecosystem connections, commercial development support, and access to Catapult support towards mission costs.
This programme is being delivered through a collaboration between the Catapult and Voyager Technologies, combining the Catapult’s UK ecosystem development, commercial support and applicant engagement role with Voyager’s orbital infrastructure, mission expertise and access to International Space Station (ISS) opportunities. Together, the partners aim to help UK organisations translate promising microgravity ideas into credible, scoped and deliverable demonstrations with clearer routes to flight and follow-on impact.
Why microgravity?
Microgravity offers a unique environment for research and innovation. It can enable new insights, processes and products across sectors such as life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, semiconductors, photonics, manufacturing and dual-use technologies.
However, many organisations face significant barriers when moving from early-stage interest to an in-orbit demonstration. These can include mission cost, technical complexity, lack of flight heritage, unclear routes to platform access, and limited connections between end users, space providers and funders.
What are we looking for?
Through this call, the Catapult is looking to identify 2-3 high-impact demonstration projects with strong technical, commercial and strategic potential.
Selected projects may receive support at an indicative intervention rate of approximately 15-30%, subject to technical and commercial assessment. Applicants will be expected to identify or secure additional funding beyond any Catapult support.
The programme is open to companies, universities, research organisations and consortia across the UK. Proposals should relate to one of the following areas:
- life sciences and biotechnology
- pharmaceuticals and drug development
- advanced materials and fibre optics
- semiconductors and photonics
- manufacturing processes
- defence and dual-use technologies
The Catapult is particularly interested in projects that can demonstrate a clear reason for using microgravity, a credible route to mission delivery, and a compelling case for future commercial or strategic value.
Nasreen Dhanji, Beyond Earth Mission Lead at the Satellite Applications Catapult, commented: “Microgravity presents a unique opportunity to unlock new scientific discoveries, develop advanced manufacturing capabilities, and accelerate innovation across a range of sectors. Through this programme, we are seeking to identify and support ambitious UK organisations that can demonstrate how access to the microgravity environment can create significant commercial, technological and strategic value. We are excited to work with pioneering teams and help reduce the barriers that often prevent innovative ideas from reaching orbit.”
Indicative Timeline
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Activity
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Date
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Time
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Expression of Interest Opens
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14 October 2026
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12:00 BST
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Briefing Webinar for Applicants
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29 October 2026
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12:00 BST
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Clarification Questions Deadline
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05 November 2026
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13:00 GMT
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Responses to Clarification Questions Shared
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10 November 2026
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12:00 GMT
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EOI Submission Deadline
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11 December 2026
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12:00 GMT
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Initial Evaluation Period, Assessment, and Shortlisting
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January-March 2027
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12:00 GMT
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Mission Scoping and Indicative Costing
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January-March 2027
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Funding and Partner Development
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January-March 2027
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Final Selection and Contracting (Subject to Mission Readiness and Internal Approvals)
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March 2027 Onwards
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Indicative Flight Opportunity (Subject to Contract Signature, Manifest Availability and Payload Readiness)
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Summer 2027 Onwards
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How to Apply
Expression of Interest form
Applicants should submit their EOI using the online form provided by the Catapult, linked via the button below. The form is structured around the following sections:
- Applicant Information
- Project Overview
- Project Readiness
- Mission Information
- Funding and Commercial Opportunity
Responses should be concise, within the character count specified on each field of the form and written in English. Applicants should avoid submitting confidential information unless necessary for assessment and clearly marked as such.
Responses questions are included in the supporting documents section below, which enables applicants to review and prepare their answers prior to submission.
Clarifying questions
Clarifying questions or general requests for assistance should be submitted to procurement@sa.catapult.org.uk by the stated deadline. To maintain fairness and transparency, the Catapult may publish responses to clarification questions where appropriate. Commercially sensitive information should not be included in clarification questions.
Webinar
A briefing and FAQ webinar will be held on 29 October 2026 at 13:00 GMT.
Supporting Documents
For more information on the programme scope, eligibility, evaluation approach, and full terms and conditions, please read the documents linked below.
