Projects that use satellite imagery over Malta can now seek to tap €2 million in research funds. 

The funds form part of Malta's first-ever National Space Fund, an initiative supported by the European Space Agency through an implementation arrangement signed last March. 

Satellite imagery is a valuable tool in making informed decisions about land use, road infrastructure, irregular migration, coastal zone vulnerability and monitoring air quality, among others. 

Projects can apply for 20-month research grants on the basis of yearly competitive calls, with applications open for an eight-week period starting on Monday May 7. The funding period will run until 2022.

“This fund is the first of its kind for Malta, and it is exclusive to Maltese beneficiaries and will serve as a modest start to capacity building within the Maltese space sector," said innovation parliamentary secretary Silvio Schembri. 

"It will help shape a relatively new economic activity that is complementary to Malta’s efforts in modernising the industry through transforming it into knowledge-based one." 

A Space Education Programme, intended to teach young students about the space sector, will be introduced shortly, he added. 

Malta Council for Science and Technology chairman Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando said Maltese public, private, research and academic entitites "now have the opportunity and funds to truly explore the potential harboured by satellite data."

To apply for funding, visit the MCST funding page. For more information, email space.mcst@gov.mt