Planning

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

UK SPACE AGENCY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

28 Oct 2025 at 17:13

Market Engagement Notice
Planning

28 Oct 2025 at 16:58

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is currently in the planning stage of a public procurement process seeking to enhance the UK's capabilities in In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing (ISAM) technologies. This Request for Information (RFI), titled "RFI: In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing (ISAM) Payloads," is focused on gathering insights from organisations that are developing or intending to develop ISAM payloads or technologies. The procurement is classified under the industry category of Spacecraft and Satellites with deliveries expected to take place in the United Kingdom. Interested parties should note the engagement end date, which serves as the deadline for submissions, is set for 8th December 2025.

This tender is particularly relevant for businesses involved in space technology development or manufacturing. By participating, companies have the opportunity to be at the forefront of advancing ISAM capabilities, aligning with the UKSA's strategic goals for the space sector. This initiative is supportive of both UK-based and international companies and is well-suited for SMEs involved in the space industry, although VCSEs are not applicable. The input gathered will help shape the UK's strategic approach to in-space technology qualification while providing companies with insights into potential future collaborative opportunities with the UKSA.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

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

Notice Description

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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-1b016ff1-4264-474a-b401-d0d3c85c66f2
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/75d0fd43-489f-47ed-8098-409bfaf14766
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

CPV Codes

34712100 - Spacecraft

34712200 - Satellites

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Oct 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
8 Dec 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK SPACE AGENCY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON
Postcode
SN2 1SZ
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon North

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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