The United Kingdom Government will fund GMV to develop a novel Virtual Reality enabled Distributed Simulator for testing In-Space Refueling Systems

GMV was selected by the UK Space Agency as one of the leading companies in the development of space technology. Through the Enabling Technologies Programme (ETP), the UK Space Agency will provide GMV with £250,000 (€277,776) for the development of the “REALM: Virtual Reality Aided Spacecraft Refuelling for IOSM Verification & Validation” project.

The project, underway since October and lasting until February 2025, aims to build a distributed simulation environment equipped with Digital Twins and Virtual Reality components to validate and verify operations for in-orbit refueling. GMV is collaborating on this development with other companies such as Thales Alenia Space, Satellite Applications Catapult, and Pitch. 

The Enabling Technologies Programme (ETP), launched by the UK Government to accelerate the development of the space sector, has earmarked £4 million to companies and universities conducting cutting-edge programs in space technology. Of the program’s total funding, £3.2 million has been allocated to the UK Space Agency and an additional £800,000 to the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of the UK Research and Innovation office (UKRI). The goal is to provide funds to industry and academia to develop technological projects that explore mechanisms for the efficient use of space, as well as projects focused on weather prediction or the removal of space debris. 

“Science and space technology have never been more important for life on Earth. This programme demonstrates how the UK Space Agency is empowering scientists, university engineers, businesses, and research institutes to develop new capabilities and advance future technologies,” explained Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency. 

“This funding from the UK Space Agency will enable GMV to invest in the development of critical technologies in guidance, navigation, and orbital robotics control. It is also a clear indication of the company's commitment to building the UK’s infrastructure to achieve the ambitious goal of capturing 30% of the global IOSM market by 2030, as published in the ‘UK In-Orbit Servicing Capability: A Platform for Growth’ report by Satellite Applications Catapult in 2021,” stated Juan Bevan, Head of Space Systems – Flight Segment & Robotics at GMV's UK subsidiary. 

Other selected projects

Like GMV, organizations such as the University of Southampton, the Fraunhofer Center for Applied Photonics, the University of Manchester, Imperial College London, and MDA Space & Robotics, among others, will also receive funding from the UK Space Agency.