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The UK Space Agency is offering £15 million in funding to organizations wanting to carry out scientific experiments in space.
The Swindon-based agency is planning a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) that will be made up of an all-British team of astronauts.
This funding will be provided for scientific experiments and technology demonstrators that will fly if the mission is executed.
“There will be a lot of exciting areas that will be welcomed,” Dr Natalia Sabina James told BBC Radio Wiltshire.
“We believe the scope of experimentation spans biological sciences, medicine, engineering, drug development, and communications.
“We’re really excited to see what happens.”
Although the mission has not yet been fully confirmed, Dr. Sabina James said she was “quite confident” in the progress made with American company Axiom.
“Funding is dependent on the progress of the mission, but we want to give scientists, innovators and businesses the opportunity to submit proposals now,” she said.
She added that this would “maximize the benefits” of potential future missions.
Andrew Griffiths, Space Secretary at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “There is huge potential for British companies to play an increasingly important role in space exploration and the development of new technology.
“The £15m funding marks a significant step forward in our joint mission with Axiom Space and encourages the UK science and technology community to take advantage of this opportunity to drive vital technology discovery and innovate. I urge you to release it.”
The UK Space Agency, with support from the European Space Agency, is working with Axiom Space to plan commercial missions to the ISS.
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