Lúnasa Space has been awarded funding through the UK Space Agency’s Space Ecosystem Commercialisation Programme (SECP), delivered by Space South Central, to accelerate development of its pioneering Cosmic Labs orbital platform.
The £30,000 SECP Sprint R&D grant will help Lúnasa, a UK-based space-tech startup, further develop its Cosmic Labs platform towards the target launch of the first demonstration mission by the end of 2026.
The mission will carry three UK-developed payloads, enabling home-grown companies to test and validate their technologies in orbit, helping them take a vital step toward commercialisation.
Currently, space startups face huge barriers when trying to test their technologies in orbit. Building and launching a satellite for a single demonstration can cost millions, an expense that often stalls innovation and deters investment.
Cosmic Labs provides a shared satellite platform capable of hosting multiple advanced payloads simultaneously. By allowing companies to “rideshare” their technologies into orbit, the model reduces costs by a significant amount compared with current levels and dramatically shortens development timelines.
Amin Chabi, Founder and CEO of Lúnasa Space, said: “Today, in-orbit servicing and manufacturing technologies are advancing and evolving rapidly, but the industry’s ability to test and validate them hasn’t kept the pace. Cosmic Labs gives companies a practical, affordable way to prove their systems in orbit and bring them to market more quickly.
“The SECP award provides more than just financial support, it serves as an endorsement of Lúnasa’s technology and the potential economic value it represents. It de-risks the project, helps us mature the design, and builds confidence that the UK is serious about leading in-space servicing and sustainability.”
The SECP is a £1.4 million UK Space Agency initiative, led by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, to support smaller, high-growth space companies through rapid development grants of up to £30,000. Designed to accelerate R&D and unlock commercial opportunities, it’s being delivered through six regional clusters, with Space South Central representing the South East of England and the Isle of Wight.
Space South Central played a key role in helping Lúnasa Space access SECP support, guiding the company through the funding process, aligning the project with national priorities in the UK’s space sector.
Dr Louise Butt, Director of Space South Central, said: “At Space South Central, our mission is to transform pioneering concepts into real-world capability. Supporting innovators like Lúnasa through initiatives such as SECP helps bridge the gap between the drawing board and commercial deployment. Rapid investment in design and testing not only de-risks emerging technologies but ensures the UK stays ahead in the race to deliver next-generation space infrastructure and in-orbit services.”
The funding will also enable Lúnasa to expand its presence in the Space South Central region, adding new technical facilities, cleanrooms, and environmental testing labs, while recruiting additional engineering and operations staff.
Amin adds: “Technologies can’t stay grounded for years waiting to be tested. The faster we can validate them in orbit, the faster we can grow the industry. With SECP and Space South Central’s support, that future is getting much closer.”
Antonia Yendell, Head of Space Ecosystem Development, said “The Space Ecosystem Commercialisation programme is designed to empower the UK Space Cluster Network to invest in innovative local space companies. By enabling high potential businesses to commercialise their technology, establish new partnerships, and seize growth opportunities, it is driving local economic prosperity and strengthening capabilities. Collaboratively we are building a national space ecosystem which is competitive on the global stage.”
For more information, visit: Lúnasa Space and Space South Central.
