On behalf of the UK Space Agency, the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation and Space Technology (CEOI-ST) invites full proposals for ‘Pathfinder’ space technology research and development projects, as part of the National Space Technology Programme (NSTP).

The Call was released on 28th July with a closing date of 15th September 2015. This Call aims to support the growth of the UK space sector by funding highly innovative ‘Pathfinder’ projects with a strong enabling potential for future space activities.

Proposals are sought for space technology research and development projects that align with the NSTP Strategy and the Space Innovation and Growth Strategy. Proposals should show the relationship to one or more of the five Space Technology Roadmaps themes (Telecommunications, Sensing, Position, Navigation and Timing, Exploration and Robotics, Access to Space).

The total budget available for the Call is £800K, with additional PV funds required from industrial bidders. The maximum grant available for each project is £50K and projects should have a maximum duration of 6 months.

It is anticipated that proposal selection will be conducted during October 2015 with projects typically starting from November 2015.

If you expect to submit a bid, you should register your intention to do so by 18th August 2015 at noon, following the instructions contained in the Announcement of Opportunity document.

This document together with full details of the Pathfinder Call are available here on the CEOI website.