In-Space Missions, a wholly owned subsidiary of BAE Systems, has been awarded further funding from the UK Space Agency to progress its Faraday Dragon rideshare satellite program. The funding from Phase 2 of the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund will be used in the development of novel Asia-Pacific payload technologies that will fly on Faraday Dragon, the world’s first multi-agency Asia-Pacific regional rideshare satellite mission.

The high-profile project brings together, for the first time, established and emerging space entities from Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Thailand. It opens up additional opportunities for the UK to be at the forefront of future partnerships and procurement programs in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Last year, An initial funding grant enabled the team to hold discussions and workshops with organizations across the region, resulting in the signing of 5 Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and the down-selection of payloads. Technologies selected from the regional partners to fly on board Faraday Dragon include a hyperspectral imager, VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), inter-satellite links, a deep space astronomy payload, and scientific and technological components. Mutual areas of interest identified for the first mission include agriculture, maritime, connectivity & humanitarian applications.

“The success of Faraday Dragon has exceeded our expectations and additional funding will enable us to progress the technology readiness levels for the down-selected payloads. With five organizations already interested in flying their innovative space technologies on the spacecraft, we’re confident we’ll have an interesting mix of complementary capabilities on our first Faraday Dragon rideshare mission. We hope that by encouraging multiple customers to participate in rideshare missions, we can offer a more cost-effective and sustainable approach to space.” Tony Holt, Director of Business Development and Propositions.

“Our International Bilateral Fund bolsters international collaboration that harnesses the UK’s national expertise, supports new space capabilities, and catalyzes investment. This mission showcases key UK strengths as a space-faring nation. Firstly, as a global leader in launch support services and, secondly, in manufacturing and integrating small satellites with international partners and allies.” Professor Anu Ojha OBE, Championing Space Director at the UK Space Agency.

Faraday Dragon is a 250kg class satellite system that will be designed, assembled, integrated, and tested in the UK by In-Space Missions. Due to launch in 2026 and with a 5-year mission lifetime, it will accommodate a suite of complementary payloads from the Asia-Pacific space agencies and their respective stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector, providing opportunities to share knowledge, data, training, and mission insights. Faraday Dragon’s open architecture can be fully customized, allowing partners to create a roadmap for future space capabilities.

Click here to learn more about In-Space Mission's Faraday Dragon Rideshare Program.