UK Space Agency opens £1.4m in-orbit manufacturing R&D competition

An opportunity to develop manufacturing technology for space

The UK Space Agency has opened its In-Orbit Manufacturing Maturation Research & Development Projects competition.

The tender notice, published on 31 October 2026, lists an estimated total value of £1.4 million excluding VAT and seeks approximately two projects. The work covers manufacturing processes and associated payloads, using design, prototyping, analysis and testing to reach Technology Readiness Level 4/5 by the final review. Tender Notify

Dates for interested suppliers

The published timetable includes:

• 4 November, 3pm: deadline to register interest in the bidder engagement event.

• 6 November: engagement event at Harwell Campus.

• 13 November: clarification deadline.

• 27 November, 1pm: tender submission deadline.

Applications must follow the instructions on the UK Space Agency’s Jaggaer procurement portal. Suppliers should check the complete documents for eligibility, deliverables and contractual requirements before preparing a bid. Tender Notify

R&D funding does not guarantee a demonstration mission

This competition concerns research and technology maturation. Participation does not commit the agency to fund or procure a subsequent in-orbit demonstration. Further activity would require separate consideration and approvals. Tenderline

Industrial Connected’s view

For engineering suppliers considering space-sector work, the practical starting point is the specification. Firms should identify which requirements they can support with evidence, whether that involves prototype manufacture, process development, testing or inspection.

Suppliers should also distinguish between leading a complete R&D proposal and offering a specialist capability to a potential project partner. Neither route guarantees an order.

Read the original tender notice on Find a Tender.

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