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On March 4, 2026, the UK Space Agency announced £30 million in government funding for British companies developing satellite communications technology. The investment represents the second funding round of the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme and aims to support the UK's capture of a larger share of the global satellite communications market, currently valued at approximately £40 billion and growing at more than 10 percent annually. The funding will support UK firms in developing advanced satellite components and technologies for low Earth orbit constellations that deliver high-speed internet, communications and data services globally. The investment targets technologies essential for defence and national security, including advanced antennas, optical links, user terminals, active antennas and on-board regenerative processors. The programme will help companies transition technologies from the testing phase to market readiness, positioning them to secure contracts with major satellite network operators. The first C-LEO funding call supported three projects with £18 million, involving eight UK companies and creating 26 specialist jobs. These projects have been running for one year with a further two years remaining. The second funding call opened on March 4, 2026, with applications available via the UK Space Agency website. The announcement coincides with Space-Comm Expo at ExCeL London, where Space Minister Liz Lloyd outlined the government's vision for the UK as a competitive space power, identifying satellite communications as one of four fundamental areas for the UK's future space capability. REFERENCES: UK Space Agency press release, "UK sets sights on £40 billion satellite communications market with fresh investment" (March 4, 2026): https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-sets-sights-on-40-billion-satellite-communications-market-with-fresh-investment