Excelerate Technology has been awarded £6 million in funding from the UK Space Agency as the prime contractor in a UK technology consortium. This funding, part of the Connectivity in Low-Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme, aims to strengthen the UK’s position in the fast-growing satellite mega-constellation market.
The consortium has been tasked with developing an advanced multi-orbit, multi-beam satellite antenna. This cutting-edge technology will allow users to seamlessly switch between different satellite operators and orbits based on their geographical location. The result? Reliable, high-speed connectivity—even in the most remote areas of the world.
At the heart of this development is the Mobility and Autonomy Market User Terminal (MAMUT). This small, flexible device will let users select their preferred operator and orbit through an app, helping to reduce costs and improve global connectivity options.
The UK Space Agency’s C-LEO programme will invest up to £160 million over the next four years, helping UK companies capture a larger share of the global satellite connectivity market.
According to Bethan Evans, Chief Operating Officer at Excelerate, “This is one of the most exciting times to be part of the space sector. With thousands of new satellites set to launch, this funding allows us to develop a fantastic new product that strengthens the UK’s leadership in space connectivity while improving communication in hard-to-reach areas.”
The UK has a strong heritage in satellite technology and is rapidly expanding its presence in the space sector. The government’s investment in projects like MAMUT ensures that the UK remains at the forefront of satellite communications, positioning itself as a global leader during this period of rapid growth.
In addition to Excelerate’s project, EnSilica plc in Oxfordshire has been awarded £10 million to develop next-generation silicon chips and software for user terminals. These will be compatible with major satellite constellations like OneWeb Next Generation, further strengthening UK and European space capabilities.
