RFI: In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing (ISAM) Payloads

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) recognises In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing (ISAM) as a critical capability for strengthening the UK's position in space. The UK Space Industrial Plan (2024) identified ISAM as one of five key space capability areas for prioritisation, reflecting its importance to the nation's future in space. In addition, the Strategic Defence Review (2025) highlighted the need to develop Space Control capabilities, and by extension ISAM technologies, to defend UK space assets in an increasingly contested domain.

Recent years have seen significant progress in establishing the foundations of the UK space sector, with national and defence space strategies now complemented by detailed capability plans. Realising the UK's ambitions for ISAM will require close collaboration between government and industry, with future interventions guided by robust evidence.

To support this, UKSA is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to organisations - both UK-based and international - developing or planning to develop ISAM payloads or technologies seeking flight opportunities as hosted payloads or on In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) missions. The aim is to map the landscape of new technologies seeking flight demonstration within the next 3-5 years.

Insights gathered through this RFI will inform UKSA's approach to in-space technology qualification and deepen our understanding of the evolving space technology landscape. We welcome your responses and appreciate your valuable input in shaping the future of the UK's ISAM capabilities.

Note: This notice will not lead to a contract. This service is being used to assist in publicising this RFI as widely as possible.

Additional information: The deadline for responses is 23:59 GMT on Monday 08 December 2025.

Submissions should be completed via Microsoft Forms using the following survey link: Request for Information: In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing (ISAM) Payloads

Please provide answers in each section of the RFI survey. This includes indications of where answers provided are actual or anticipated or where the information requested is unknown (for example subject to ongoing development).

The RFI survey provides the opportunity to submit information on multiple ISAM payloads, up to a total of five.

Microsoft Forms provides the opportunity for the participant to receive an email copy of their response. This is asked at the end of the RFI survey.

If you have any questions/queries about the RFI participation process, please contact sustainability@ukspaceagency.gov.uk.