The UK government has announced a £160 million investment in the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (CLEO) programme aimed at accelerating the next generation of satellite technology to improve nationwide internet access and close persistent digital divides.
Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan introduced the initiative, which will support the development of advanced satellites and constellations that harness recent advances in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems. LEO satellites are prized for their resilience and ability to maintain reliable connections even during disruptions.
LEO systems have already proven their value in real-world crises. For example, during Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, LEO satellite networks ensured continuous connectivity under extremely challenging conditions.
CLEO is designed to build on the UK’s established and expanding satellite industry by funding researchers and businesses to design smarter satellites, improve hardware, and deploy new constellations. A central aim is to integrate artificial intelligence to optimise data delivery and create interconnected networks capable of serving billions worldwide.
If implemented, CLEO would represent the UK’s largest-ever commitment to satellite communications. The scheme intends to position the UK as a global leader in satellite technology while creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the sector.
By strengthening the government’s Science and Technology Framework, CLEO supports broader aims to modernise future telecoms and ensure equitable access to digital resources across the nation. The programme is expected to help deliver high-speed internet to underserved communities and strengthen national communications infrastructure.
Michelle Donelan said:
“Tackling the digital divide is at the heart of empowering our citizens wherever they live. By investing in the research and development CLEO would enable, we can level up the country while growing the economy through high-quality jobs.
This proposed record investment is also a major opportunity to harness our reputation as a world leader in innovation and R&D, supporting UK businesses to deliver the next generation of satellites and positioning the UK as a genuine space power.”
To back the UK’s long-term space ambitions, the government is exploring grant funding of up to £100 million. In addition, officials are considering a further £60 million via the UK’s participation in the European Space Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme, which supports commercial satellite communications infrastructure development.
The combined funding would target critical technologies for the next generation of LEO satellite communications, including AI and machine learning, and could lead to the deployment of hundreds of satellites. That deployment would transform the UK’s communications network and help close existing connectivity gaps.
Harshbir Sangha, Missions and Capabilities Delivery Director at the UK Space Agency, commented:
“Today’s announcement is an important step toward delivering a key priority for the UK Space Agency: to maximise the potential of low Earth orbit and become a global leader in next-generation satellite communications. We aim to build capacity to support future high-volume constellations.
Our intent is to catalyse investment, build on existing capabilities, and tackle the challenges of securing a significant share of a fast-moving global market by leveraging the national space programme and strategic investments in commercial ESA programmes such as ARTES.”
The CLEO announcement follows the reestablishment of the National Space Council, co-chaired by the Science and Defence Secretaries, which coordinates government space policy to capture economic opportunities, boost job creation, and steer the UK’s space strategy.
With potential funding for CLEO, the UK is positioned to enhance its space capabilities and make a meaningful contribution to the global satellite industry. The initiative aims to reshape the nation’s connectivity landscape, drive innovation in satellite communications, and extend reliable internet access to communities across the country.
(Photo by Marcin Nowak on Unsplash)
See also: BT and OneWeb use LEO satellites to connect rural island
Looking to revamp your digital transformation strategy? Learn more about Digital Transformation Week events held in Amsterdam, California and London.
Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge.