Expression of interest: Small-satellite missions sandpit

Overview

We are seeking expressions of interest (EOI) to participate in the UKRI Small-satellite missions sandpit, part of the UKRI Space Programme.

The sandpit will bring together approximately 30 researchers and innovators from a range of disciplines and sectors to develop ambitious small satellite Earth observation mission concepts using innovative sensors and data streams enabled by other transversal technologies. The concepts developed should address real-world user needs and contribute to sovereign capability, national security, societal benefit and economic growth. Participants will work with stakeholders from the space, defence and environmental sectors to address a range of real-world challenges.

Projects emerging from the sandpit may be invited to submit a full application for 11 months of pump-priming funding, expected to start in May 2027. Attendance at the sandpit does not guarantee funding.

The sandpit will take place between 26 January and 10 February 2027 and will combine online and in-person activities. The two-day in-person element is expected to take place between 2 and 4 February 2027. Full attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

Please complete this survey to submit your EOI no later than 25 November 2026 4:00 pm UK time.

Applications will be assessed by a selection panel comprising the sandpit director, mentors and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) staff. Participant selection will be based on the information provided in this survey and the published selection criteria. The panel will seek to create a participant cohort with a mix of disciplines, backgrounds, career stages and regions to maximise the range of perspectives available within the sandpit.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the selection process by the middle of December 2026. Participation in the sandpit will be subject to security checks.

If this opportunity receives a substantially higher number of applications than anticipated, UKRI reserves the right to introduce demand management or modify the assessment process.

Due to the number of applications expected, we will not be able to give individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

How UK Research and Innovation will use your personal data

The personal data you give us will be used to administer the Expression of Interest process for participation in the Small-satellite missions sandpit, including assessing applications and communicating outcomes. 

Your information will be accessed by authorised members of the UKRI Space programme team and shared with the sandpit director and external mentors involved in selecting participants. These roles may be drawn from across the research and innovation community, including academia, industry, government and user communities. They will agree to UKRI’s panel protocols code of practice, including confidentiality, before accessing any applications.  

If you are selected, we will use your contact details to provide further information about the sandpit and invite you to complete a follow-up participant survey. If required, we may also share your contact details with organisations supporting security screening.

We will retain your information from this survey for as long as necessary to administer the funding opportunity (expected to be completed by May 2027).

Your personal data will be handled in line with UK data protection legislation and managed securely. If you would like to know more, including how to exercise your Rights, please see our privacy notice.

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact smallsatsandpit@ukri.org