---
title: "commissioning research to gather evidence to develop and support our understanding of the environmental impact of spacecraft launch - Extension."
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-39af90a2-6f5f-4d9b-8aba-797ba6d68309"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-39af90a2-6f5f-4d9b-8aba-797ba6d68309"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-39af90a2-6f5f-4d9b-8aba-797ba6d68309.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-39af90a2-6f5f-4d9b-8aba-797ba6d68309.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "DFTC - DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT"
published: "2026-06-12"
---

# commissioning research to gather evidence to develop and support our understanding of the environmental impact of spacecraft launch - Extension.

Buyer: DFTC - DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-39af90a2-6f5f-4d9b-8aba-797ba6d68309

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## Summary

The Department for Transport (DfT) has concluded a selective procurement process, utilizing a call-off from a framework agreement, to commission research on the environmental impact of spacecraft launches. This procurement falls under the industry category "Design and execution of research and development" with a focus on understanding the atmospheric effects of rocket launches. The procurement location spans multiple regions including the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, and others. The overall contract valued at GBP 200,000 was awarded to the University of Leeds on 20th February 2025. The agreement was set to commence on 12th March 2025 and is expected to conclude by 31st August 2026, marking the award stage of the procurement lifecycle.

This tender presents significant opportunities for organisations involved in scientific research and environmental studies, particularly those capable of addressing complex atmospheric chemistry questions. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) might find this type of tender appealing due to the research-driven nature of the project, allowing for participation in cutting-edge environmental analysis. Engaging in this project can enhance the reputation of the involved organisations in environmental R&D and potentially open doors to future collaborations with government departments looking to address environmental impacts associated with aerospace activities.

## Notice

The Department for Transport (DfT) is interested in commissioning research to gather evidence to develop and support our understanding of the environmental impact of spacecraft launch. There is a gap in understanding of the impact of rocket launches on atmospheric composition and climate, both for current and new rocket fuels. We want to understand the chemistry, volumes of exhaust entering the atmosphere, especially stratosphere, from rocket launch activities, its dispersion and their contribution to climate change. This research will allow DfT to understand whether there is an atmospheric issue from the effects of spacecraft launches and the potential size of the problem.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f9838eb0-ef62-4136-9133-01b8bc2195eb |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Call-off from a framework agreement |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 12 Jun 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 11 Mar 2025 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 20 Feb 2025 |
| Contract period | 12 Mar 2025 - 31 Aug 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £200,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £200,000 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DFTC - DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South West London |
| Postcode | SW1P 4DR |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West |
| ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London |
| Local authority | Westminster |
| Electoral ward | Vincent Square |
| Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development

## Release History

- 12 Jun 2026 at 12:43 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f9838eb0-ef62-4136-9133-01b8bc2195eb

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/f9838eb0-ef62-4136-9133-01b8bc2195eb
  12th June 2026 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/57fbd0f6-db34-431d-b067-5a3110b01bbb
  n/a

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-39af90a2-6f5f-4d9b-8aba-797ba6d68309. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-39af90a2-6f5f-4d9b-8aba-797ba6d68309.json.