The UK Space Agency is supporting several groundbreaking projects that use data from satellites to improve public services. These projects aim to enhance the safety of infrastructure, track biodiversity, and monitor greenhouse gases.
New Space-Backed Tools Aim to Protect Environment and Infrastructure
By linking space technology with public needs, these initiatives are showing how satellites can help solve real-world problems.
Satellites orbiting Earth can collect detailed images and satellite data. This information is now being used in new ways by public and private sector teams. These efforts will help monitor the condition of buildings, track wildlife, and detect pollution in the air. Each project supported by the UK Space Agency focuses on making life safer, healthier, and more sustainable through the use of satellite data.
One of the key projects is called CORE – short for Corner Reflector Enabled Remote Sensing. It is being developed by Geospatial Ventures, based in Nottingham. This project uses radar and artificial intelligence (AI), powered by satellite data, to watch buildings, bridges, and other structures. The system can detect very tiny movements that could indicate safety problems. This early warning system can help reduce the risk of serious damage or collapse.
Another project focuses on biodiversity. AAC Clyde Space, based in Glasgow, is working on a tool called THICKET. This satellite-based tool will help farmers understand the types of animals and plants on their land. By having this information, farmers can make choices that support nature while also qualifying for government farming support. The system is designed to encourage more sustainable farming practices by showing exactly what lives on the land.
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Tracking Pollution and Supporting Nature through Earth Observation
In London, a company called GHGSat UK is using satellites to track greenhouse gases. The project is called the Government GHG Service. It will use high-tech satellites to trace gases like methane directly to their sources. This helps identify which factories or facilities are releasing pollution into the atmosphere. The system will turn satellite data into clear, useful information. This can help reduce pollution and increase accountability.
Another environmental tool is being built by Earth-I, a company in Guildford. Their project is called FANTOM – Future Analytics System. It creates land use data from satellite pictures. The system will be used by the Rural Payments Agency to see how land is changing over time. This helps them make decisions about land payments and usage. Instead of waiting for field inspections, the agency can get instant updates from space.
One more biodiversity-related project is taking shape in Oxfordshire. A group is developing EOI4Biodiversity. This project uses Earth observation data to monitor how biodiversity changes over time. It can help landowners, developers, and local councils make choices that protect natural habitats. By comparing satellite images over time, it becomes easier to see how plant and animal life is changing.
Each of these projects is an example of how satellite data can be transformed into practical tools. They are helping to improve how land is used, how nature is preserved, and how risks are managed.
UK Space Agency Backs Innovation with Dedicated Climate Funding
These efforts are part of a broader plan by the UK government to use space technology in ways that benefit society. The UK Space Agency is providing funding to support these and similar projects. A new funding call is offering up to £300,000 for climate-related services. This funding is aimed at supporting new ideas that use satellite data to fight climate change or protect the environment.
Small grants ranging from £40,000 to £80,000 are also available. These grants are meant for early-stage projects. The goal is to help organizations create tools that help people and communities make better decisions for the planet. These could include apps, platforms, or other services that use satellite data in smart ways.
This program shows a clear move toward combining innovation in space with practical use on Earth. It gives smaller companies and public sector teams the chance to work together on important problems. From tracking methane to supporting farmers, these new tools show how space technology is no longer just about rockets and astronauts. It is becoming an important part of everyday life.
With satellite constellations growing in number and detail, the possibilities for using space data in public services continue to expand. These UK-backed projects are just a few of the many ways this technology is now helping people live in a safer and more informed world.
