In-Orbit Manufacturing (IOM) Maturation Research & Development Projects

**This planned procurement follows earlier market engagement undertaken by UK Space Agency (UKSA) through the Request for Information (RFI) published under Find a Tender Notice 2026/S 000-035409. Overall responses to the RFI demonstrated market interest and a range of potential approaches, while also identifying areas where further technical, commercial, cost and delivery evidence is required before UKSA could consider progressing to a full demonstration mission. UKSA has therefore decided to adopt a staged approach, commissioning multiple R&D projects across RPOD and IOM to explore differing approaches, reduce uncertainty and strengthen the evidence base for future investment decisions. This is one of two concurrent procurements being progressed following consideration of the outputs from that RFI exercise, the other being for Mission Feasibility Studies – Spacecraft Life Extension Service Demonstration. Please see respective notices on Find a Tender.** Procurement Description: The UK Space Agency (UKSA) intends, subject to final approvals, to launch a competitive procurement that will support research and development (R&D) projects to mature In-Orbit Manufacturing (IOM) payload concepts for high-value Earth applications, generating evidence to support consideration of potential future in-orbit demonstration activities. The work is intended to mature the technical, delivery considerations, risks, indicative cost and commercial evidential base required to inform the UKSA’s ISAM In-Orbit Demonstration Programme, and the development of a Green Book-compliant business case. The requirement concerns applied research directed at developing technical knowledge for the particular objective of informing decisions on potential future UK IOM demonstration activities, rather than commercial industrialisation. The competition is intended to support payload maturation and R&D activity only. Appointment under this competition does not commit UKSA to proceed with, fund or procure