The UK Space Agency is seeking input from industry, academia, investors, and prospective end-users through a new Request for Information (RFI) focused on in-orbit research, development, and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. The exercise forms part of the Agency’s wider Unlocking Space for Business programme, which aims to support the growth of emerging commercial opportunities at the intersection of space and life sciences.
As interest grows in the potential for microgravity-enabled pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, the UK Space Agency is working with organisations including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) to better understand the barriers facing the sector and identify where government intervention could accelerate growth.
The RFI seeks views on the challenges currently faced by companies, researchers and investors, what support mechanisms have been effective, and what future interventions could help the UK become a leader in this emerging field. The findings will help shape future UK Space Agency activities and commercialisation support programmes. Importantly, this is not a funding call, but an opportunity for stakeholders to influence future policy and support initiatives.
Key dates include:
- Response deadline: 7 September 2026 at 17:00 BST
- Engagement deadline: 8 September 2026
To access the full RFI questionnaire, organisations should contact [email protected].
Space Hub Yorkshire encourages Yorkshire-based businesses, universities, researchers and innovators with an interest in space-enabled healthcare, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing to take part. If you would like to discuss the opportunity, understand its relevance to your organisation, or explore future collaboration opportunities, please get in touch with the Space Hub Yorkshire team. We would be delighted to help you engage with this emerging and potentially transformative area of the space economy.