Public description We live in a satellite-enabled age: the spacecraft orbiting overhead are not abstract science, but part of a critical, life-support system that we all depend on every day. Satellites collect and distribute vast amounts of data giving us a detailed understanding of what is really happening in our world. They deliver live, awe-inspiring imagery in high resolution, broadband global communication, increased positional accuracy and observe the fragile eco-systems of our planet. Thousands of satellites will be launched over the next decade to provide global internet coverage, mobile telecommunication, Earth-Observation analytics, navigation and space-based IoT for real-time monitoring of assets. Morgan Stanley recently valued the global satellite industry at £0.75 Tn up to 2040. Developing countries and emerging markets in Asia, South America, and Africa are seeking low-cost Earth-observation capability for national capacity building, and the desire to become self-sufficient for data collection to address local societal needs such as environmental monitoring, measuring climate change, global warming, disaster management, food sustainability, deforestation, imaging to locate natural resources like oil and gas, as well as observing geological formations. Operators of Earth-Observation satellites want to offer customers new imaging services such as live and intelligent geo-spatial and geo-tagging insights to target lucrative market opportunities. Agencies want to offer new space-exploration experiences and increase levels of public engagement. Traditional science payload suppliers are now under pressure from aspiring commercial start-ups looking to profit from robotic exploration. The project will investigate how to advance space-based imaging to address the market needs of Earth-Observation satellites and planetary robotics. De-risking the suitability of the latest photonic transceivers and the development of on-board electronics for use in the harsh environment of space are the key goals. The project aligns with the aspirations of the government's Industrial Strategy to raise productivity and earning power in the UK, and strengthen UK science and business. Spacechips existing on-board processing products are contributing solutions to address major societal needs such as environmental monitoring, measuring climate change, global warming, food sustainability and bridging the global Digital Divide by providing innovative and enabling satellite-based solutions. Linked to the government's Industrial Strategy, we plan to use the National Satellite Test Facility.

The company wishes to explore the Asian space and satellite market by collaborating with potential stakeholders and clients in South Korea, Japan, Singapore and India. We wish to start cooperative ventures with partners, develop joint strategy and capability so we can access the local market together. Today, the Asian space industry faces a number of unique challenges which is preventing its growth. Spacechips Ltd, a UK SME, provides commercial R&D services and would like to partner with companies in South Korea, Japan, Singapore and India to jointly address their problems with satellite elctronics. The project will develop cooperative research and business networks within Asia growing the capability and offering of a UK SME, opening this lucrative export market to the wider UK supply chain.