15 June 2021

UK Government launches nanosatellite design competition for young people

The UK Government has launched a competition to inspire the next generation of British space scientists, asking young people to design a ‘nanosatellite’ with the winning entry destined for space.

© Unsplash/Action Vance

Young people will have the chance to send their own small satellite into space as a competition to inspire the next generation of British space scientists and entrepreneurs.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps was at Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall today to announce the contest, which is looking for nanosatellite designs that can help support the UK’s decarbonisation targets.

Nanosatellites are small satellites that can be used to gather scientific data, such as on climate change, as well as improving data for satellite navigation systems.

The £600,000 prize fund will mean the winner can further develop or build their satellite, making it launch-ready, with the potential for it to be launched into space from UK soil.

In 2022, the UK is set to become the first country in Europe to host small satellite launches, with Spaceport Cornwall, in Newquay, set to be the first operational spaceport.

‘As hosts of the G7 and with the first space launches from British soil firmly within our grasp, I want to support the UK’s brightest minds and creative ideas to launch this exciting competition,’ says Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

‘This will help to secure a future spaceflight legacy for Great Britain, by inspiring young adults to build the skills needed to work within this growing sector.’