The UK Space Agency is funding 16 projects through a £13 million government investment, announced on 18 August 2026, to support satellite communications development. The projects fall under the European Space Agency's Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems programme.

Among them, CGI's SODOR project was set to trial satellite broadband on ScotRail's West Highland Line, a remote Scottish route where traditional mobile networks struggle. Farmer Charlie's GAUFF project was developing low-cost satellite-enabled sensors giving farmers real-time data on land and crops, with the technology expected to be available by the end of the following summer. Other funded work includes Exobotics' STARS optical communications project, deep-space and lunar communications, and optical ground station technology.

The government said the space sector employs more than 55,000 people and brings £18.6 billion into the economy every year. The announcement cited Space Minister Liz Lloyd and Farmer Charlie chief executive Betty Bonnardel MBE welcoming the support.