The government has announced £13 million funding through the UK Space Agency for 16 projects working on satellite communications.

Projects include more reliable broadband on remote Scottish Railways and affordable sensors which help farmers grow more food.

Satellites can be used to power navigation apps, weather forecasts and broadband connections.
 

Thanks to the funding, CGI’s SODOR will trial satellite broadband on ScotRail’s West Highland Line, one of Scotland’s most scenic but remote routes. This is part of wider work to introduce satellite connectivity on all mainland trains.

Elsewhere, Farmer Charlie’s GAUFF project is developing affordable satellite-enabled sensors that will give farmers real-time data on their land and crops, to deliver better harvests and reduce waste through smarter, more targeted farming. The technology is expected to be available by the end of next summer.

The 16 projects will be delivered as part of the European Space Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems (ARTES) programme.

Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: "This investment shows the true breadth of UK space innovation and how innovations in the UK’s satellite sector can improve lives, with better connectivity delivering internet access for more train journeys, and smarter farming. through more reliable connections through to support for our farming communities.

"By backing brilliant British companies, we are not only furthering our status as one of the world’s leading space powers, but creating high-quality jobs and new opportunities across the UK."