Call for Incubator Studies for Small Satellite and Cube Satellite Mission Concepts

The UK Space Agency’s Science and Exploration Bilateral Programme (SEBP) supports the development of international space science collaborations, in areas of strategic importance for the UK. In recent years, SEBP funding opportunities have demonstrated the value of investing in early-stage concept maturation, to position the UK strongly for future national and international opportunities.

Building on this success, the SEBP is now looking to support a new set of early-stage, science-led mission concept studies, to help create a pipeline of emerging innovative opportunities. The UK Space Agency SEBP is therefore announcing a targeted grant funding call, designed to support a small number of short-duration Incubator Studies for either Small Satellite or Cube Satellite mission concepts.

The total budget available for the call in this financial year is £750,000 with a maximum individual award of £150,000 per project. Funded studies are expected to run for a six-month period from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 and all funds awarded will need to be spent before the end of March 2027. Funded project teams will be expected to provide a monthly update to the UK Space Agency on their progress and deliver a final study report to the UK Space Agency by 31 March 2027.