UKRI
Small Satellite Missions Sandpit
16:00 UK time; full application deadline expected 18 March 2027, by invitation only
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The Small Satellite Missions Sandpit, funded by UKRI, pays for Phase 0 study funding, up to £1.87 million at 100% FEC with UKRI covering 80%, to develop small satellite Earth observation mission concepts. Applicants must come from UK research organisations eligible for UKRI funding, attend an interactive sandpit to form consortia, and combine novel sensors, data streams and cross-sector technologies aimed at UK sovereign capability and national security. This is a one-off call, with full applications made only by invitation following sandpit participation.
Details
| Funder | UKRI |
| Budget | Up to £1.87 million at 100% FEC (UKRI funds 80% of FEC) |
| Deadline | 25 November 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 11 months, projects must start by 1 May 2027 |
| Consortium | Required — collaborative projects formed at the sandpit, with a signed collaboration agreement between partners before grant start |
| Application | 2-stage: expression of interest for sandpit attendance → sandpit co-creation → invited full application for Phase 0 study funding |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Sandpit to co-create small satellite Earth observation mission concepts combining innovative sensors, data streams and cross-sector technologies for UK sovereign capability, national security, societal benefit and economic growth. Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding; UK businesses, government departments, third sector organisations and international organisations are not eligible to apply directly but may participate as project partners.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers at UK research organisations eligible for UKRI funding
- •Teams working on small satellite Earth observation sensors or mission concepts
- •Applicants willing to form consortia at the sandpit event itself
- •Projects able to start by 1 May 2027 within an 11-month study
- •UK businesses, government bodies and third-sector groups joining as project partners rather than lead applicants
Key Dates
- •Expression of interest deadline: 25 November 2026, 16:00 UK time
- •Invited full application deadline expected 18 March 2027 (by invitation only, following sandpit co-creation)
- •Projects must start by 1 May 2027, for up to 11 months
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Consortia are formed at the sandpit itself, so apply for sandpit attendance even without a pre-formed team, the co-creation process builds the partnership.
- ✓A signed collaboration agreement between partners must be in place before grant start, so start those conversations early once sandpit groups form.
- ✓Frame the mission concept around UK sovereign capability and national security relevance, as these are explicit scope priorities, not just scientific merit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the Small Satellite Missions Sandpit provide?
Up to £1.87 million at 100% full economic cost, with UKRI funding 80% of that cost.
Who can apply to the UKRI Small Satellite Missions Sandpit?
Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding; businesses, government departments and third-sector organisations can only join as project partners.
How does the application process work for this sandpit?
It is a two-stage process: an expression of interest to attend the sandpit, followed by sandpit co-creation of consortia, and then an invitation-only full application for Phase 0 study funding.
How long do funded projects last?
Projects run for up to 11 months and must start by 1 May 2027.
Is this a recurring UKRI call?
No, this is a one-off call.
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