The UK Space Agency will provide £2 million ($2.64 million) in funding for 13 projects focused on energy, communications and resources in space. The announcement was made during British Science Week in mid-March.

One of the most notable schemes is headed by Rolls Royce aims to develop a facility to generate water, oxygen and fuel in space. Another by the University of Glasgow hopes to develop a new deep-drilling method, less energy-intensive than heavy rotary drilling. The full list of projects can be found here.

Science and Innovation Minister George Freeman said, “As we celebrate British Science Week, I am pleased to announce [this package] for the UK’s brilliant scientists and engineers to help us take significant strides in space exploration and discovery.”

Abi Clayton, Future Programmes Director, Rolls-Royce said: “The support of the UK Space Agency has been instrumental in enabling the continued progress of the Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor development programme.

“This shows the true value of public and private partnership as we bring together the space domain experience of the UK Space Agency with our own unique nuclear expertise. Together we can achieve ambitious technological firsts for the UK as we develop the power systems of the future.”