Space for Discovery

In the broadest sense, Space for Discovery, encompasses everything from new scientific insights to the creation of transformative technologies, to theoretical and philosophical breakthroughs that challenge our understanding of life, the universe, and our place within it. Each new discovery in space holds the potential to reshape humanity’s future. In this program we primarily focus on scientific discoveries and technological innovation – often needed for such discoveries.  

Think about the discovery of new planets, moons, stars, black holes, galaxies, and other celestial bodies, or the identification of cosmic events like gravitational waves, solar flares, and supernovae. You can also think about developing new insights into the formation and evolution of planets, atmospheres, and moons, or collecting new data about Earth's own geological and atmospheric processes. Discoveries that deepen our understanding of physics, such as the behaviour of matter and energy in extreme environments, or quantum mechanics in space, are also essential to drive our scientific understanding of the universe. 

Now think about technological innovations, often required to make such discoveries happen. The development of new materials that can resists off-earth environments like high radiation and extremely low temperature. Seemingly simple, but absolutely essential innovations such as a clock that works at incredibly low temperatures or extremely precise calculations of orbits to avoid in-space collisions.  

The first flagship project within this program is Moonshot.