Surrey space project to help Singapore manage climate change

Led by Surrey University, the project will focus on monitoring air pollution and atmospheric weather forecasting.

Space South Central will work with colleagues in Singapore to develop instrumentation that can obtain data from very low-earth-orbit that broadens understanding of the challenges and impact presented by climate change.

In a statement, Surrey University’s Dr William Lovegrove, who leads on international liaison for Space South Central, said: “We would like to express our gratitude to our Singaporean project partners for their commitment to this endeavour. By combining our expertise and resources, we anticipate creating a new scientific satellite mission that not only addresses global challenges but also fosters stronger ties between our nations in the context of this significant trade agreement.”  

The project will incorporate electronic propulsion technology, onboard AI processing technology, sensors enabled by quantum technology, and miniaturised timing mechanisms.

The project also involves Singapore’s Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn), Singapore’s Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*Star), National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University. In the UK, it also involves the Universities of Southampton and Portsmouth and Twinparadox Ltd.

Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “Working with other space agencies and organisations across the globe through our International Bilateral Fund allows us to draw on skills that enhance our homegrown expertise and capabilities, drive up investment in the UK, and support world-class science and discovery.

“Projects such as…Surrey’s work with Singapore to advance sustainability and scientific sensors highlight the many ways in which we can collaborate with the global space community to help humanity push the boundaries of space innovation and unlock commercial opportunities that will benefit our economy now and in the future.”

The project is worth nearly £75,000 and secured funding from the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund.

Other recipients of funding from the International Bilateral Fund include Glasgow University, which is partnering with the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth Consortium to develop a novel approach to lunar regolith sampling; and Strathclyde University, which is partnering with MIT, the University of Arizona, the University of Waterloo, and Columbiad Launch Services Inc to work on a project relating to artificial intelligence for space safety and sustainability.