The funding from Phase 2 of the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund will be used in the development of Asia-Pacific payload technologies that will fly on Faraday Dragon.
The project unites established and emerging space entities from Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines and Thailand whilst providing opportunities for the UK to be at the forefront of future partnerships and procurement programmes in the Asia-Pacific region.
An initial funding grant last year enabled the team to hold discussions and workshops with organisations across the region which resulted in the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and the down-selection of payloads.
Technologies selected from the regional partners to fly onboard Faraday Dragon include a hyperspectral imager, VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), inter-satellite links, a deep space astronomy payload, and scientific and technological components.
Mutual areas of interest identified for the first mission include agriculture, maritime, connectivity & humanitarian applications.
In a statement, Tony Holt, director of Business Development and Propositions at Hants-based In-Space Missions said: “The success of Faraday Dragon has exceeded our expectations and additional funding will enable us to progress the technology readiness levels for the down-selected payloads. With five organisations already interested in flying their innovative space technologies on the spacecraft, we’re confident we’ll have an interesting mix of complementary capabilities on our first Faraday Dragon rideshare mission. We hope that by encouraging multiple customers to participate in rideshare missions, we can offer a more cost effective and sustainable approach to space.”
Faraday Dragon is a 250kg class satellite system that will be designed, assembled, integrated and tested in the UK by In-Space Missions.
Due to launch in 2026 and with a five-year mission lifetime, it will accommodate complementary payloads from the Asia-Pacific space agencies and their respective stakeholders from government, academia and the private sector.
Professor Anu Ojha OBE, championing space director at the UK Space Agency, said: “This mission showcases key UK strengths as a space faring nation. Firstly, as a global leader in launch support services and, secondly, in the manufacture and integration of small satellites with international partners and allies.”
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