Excelerate Technology Ltd has received £6 million in funding from the UK Space Agency to develop flexibility in satellite communications.
The Cardiff-based firm is one of two UK companies awarded a share of £16 million from the UK Space Agency’s Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme, which is investing up to £160 million in UK expertise over the next four years. This funding is aimed at strengthening the UK’s position in the fast-growing satellite mega-constellation market by developing cutting-edge technology that enhances efficiency and capability.
The Mobility and Autonomy Market User Terminal (MAMUT terminal), being developed in Cardiff, will provide unprecedented flexibility in satellite communications. By enabling users to choose between different operators and satellite orbits through an app, the technology will significantly reduce costs and improve global adaptability. This innovation will have far-reaching implications for industries relying on seamless, high-speed connectivity, particularly in maritime, aviation, and remote operations.
Sir Chris Bryant, UK Government Telecoms Minister, said:
“The UK has all the cutting-edge expertise and technology to spearhead the latest advancements in satellite communications and become a leader in this high-tech industry. These Government-backed projects will not only provide significant advancements in mobile communication but help to bridge the digital divide, connecting communities in the most hard-to-reach areas.”
Satellite constellations are transforming global connectivity by delivering high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas, bridging the digital divide. The UK is already home to a thriving space sector with expertise in satellite design and large-scale constellation operations. The C-LEO programme will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of these advancements.
In 2023, a record 2,900 satellites were launched into space, with commercial satellite constellations expected to grow significantly. Forecasts indicate that 18,000 more satellites will be launched between 2021 and 2031, with mega-constellations making up 75% of that total. This presents a major opportunity for UK businesses to secure contracts in the global satellite supply chain and shape the future of satellite communications.
The funding announcement comes ahead of the UK Space Agency’s Ignite Space Conference at the National Space Centre in Leicester, an event that brings together industry leaders, SMEs, and investors to drive forward the UK’s space industry and innovation agenda.
