Swindon-based UK Space Agency offers funding for science projects

The funding is to support ideas from all research areas in the UK

The UK Space Agency is offering £15m of funding to groups who want to do science experiments in space.

The Swindon-based agency is planning a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) made of an all-UK astronaut team.

The funding is for science experiments and technology demonstrators that will fly on the mission, should it go ahead.

"There would be so many exciting areas that would be welcomed," Dr Natalya Zavina-James told BBC Radio Wiltshire.

"We think experiments could range from biological science, medical science, to engineering, pharmaceutical development and communications.

"We are really excited to see what might come through."

The UK Space Agency is working with Axiom Space on plans for a commercial mission to the ISS

While the mission is not yet fully confirmed, Dr Zavina-James said they are "fairly confident" of the progress they are making with American company Axiom.

"Although the funding is dependent on the mission proceeding, we're hoping to give scientists and innovators, businesses, the opportunity to put in proposals now," she said.

She added that this would "maximise the benefit" of a potential mission in the future.

Minister for space at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Andrew Griffith, said: "There is huge potential for UK businesses to play an increasingly important role in space exploration and the development of new technologies.

"The £15m funding calls mark a significant stride in our collaborative mission with Axiom Space, and I urge the UK science and technology community to use this opportunity to drive forwards discovery and unleash innovation in critical technologies."

The UK Space Agency is working with Axiom Space on plans for a commercial mission to the ISS, with the support of the European Space Agency.