Scientists at the University of Sussex have received a substantial grant to lead a significant NASA space research initiative in the UK.

Selected by the UK Space Agency, the University of Sussex team will spearhead a £7 million investment in space research, focusing on potential developments for a probe mission aimed at exploring the formation of planetary systems and the evolution of galaxies.

According to a university spokesperson, the team’s selection was based on their demonstration of “scientific excellence in critical areas of space science and exploration technology.”

The funding from the UK Space Agency aims to facilitate the involvement of scientists and engineers in major international space science missions, collaborating with space agencies worldwide.

Working in collaboration with scientists from Cardiff, London, and Oxfordshire, the Sussex team will take the lead in this project.

This announcement coincides with ongoing efforts by another research group in Sussex, which is collaborating with NASA on a mission to seek out water on one of Jupiter’s moons.

Adding to the UK’s space achievements, Rosemary Coogan, an astrophysics alumna from the University of Sussex, is on track to become the UK’s third astronaut, having been selected by the European Space Agency as an astronaut trainee in 2022.

Seb Oliver, professor of astrophysics at the University of Sussex, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “The UK has an amazing track record in developing new space technology and providing data analysis that allows astronomers to see processes in galaxies, stars and planetary systems that would otherwise be hidden to conventional optical telescopes. We are very excited to start work with our US partners on developing exceptional space mission concepts.”