UK Space Agency partners with firms for advanced materials research in space
KEY INFORMATION:
WHO: UK Space Agency and three British companies.
WHAT: Research studies for manufacturing advanced materials in space.
WHERE: Low Earth Orbit and across the UK.
WHEN: Projects announced 9 February 2026.
WHY: To develop life-saving medicines and high-tech materials.
New UK Space Agency research will explore making life-saving medicines in space.
The government has awarded contracts totalling £845,000 to three British firms to investigate manufacturing in Low Earth Orbit.
The studies target products like semiconductors and optical fibres that are difficult or impossible to manufacture on Earth.
Benefits of UK Space Agency research
The research focuses on using microgravity to produce more perfect protein crystals for drug formulations.
BioOrbit Ltd has received £250,000 for its 'PHARM' study to design a mission for drug manufacturing.
This could allow concentrated cancer treatments to be administered by injection at home rather than via hospital IV.
Dr Katie King, CEO of BioOrbit, said: "Space made pharmaceuticals will have a dramatic impact on all of our lives."
Boosting the national economy
Space Forge Ltd has been awarded £300,000 to study commercial semiconductor production in orbit.
These semiconductors could improve efficiency for electric vehicle charging, data centres, and quantum computing.
Josh Western, Space Forge CEO and Co-Founder added: "Space Forge is pleased to be a part of this national effort."
OrbiSky Ltd received £295,000 to develop ZBLAN optical fibre, which can transmit light with 100 times less signal loss.
Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: "We’re backing the jobs and industries of tomorrow."
She added that these projects cement the UK's position as a "global leader in the space economy."
Related Links
MORE: Official council source — https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-studies-for-manufacturing-advanced-materials-in-orbit
MORE: New £86 million defence contract ramps up UK jobs and high-tech manufacturing — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/08/new-86-million-defence-contract-ramps-up-birmingham-jobs-and-high-tech-manufacturing/
MORE: Nature’s engineers return: New beaver releases approved for South West catchments — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/07/natures-engineers-return-new-beaver-releases-approved-for-south-west-catchments/
MORE: New auction powers to fill long-term empty shops on Lambeth high streets — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/07/new-auction-powers-to-fill-long-term-empty-shops-on-lambeth-high-streets/
Author
Subscribe for $2 every four weeks for the first six months
Subscribe for $20 every four weeks for the first six months
