Drones to deliver coronavirus testing kits backed by UK Space Agency
UK Space Agency funding will be delegated to three new projects that have been designated to supporting space-enabled technologies and services that can support the NHS response to coronavirus. Science Minister Amanda Solloway has announced that the joint initiative between the UK Space Agency and European Space Agency (ESA) will utilise drones to deliver coronavirus testing kits to support vulnerable groups as part of the initiative. London-based mobility company Skyports will be collaborating with NHS Highland to utilise drones in the transportation of medical supplies and samples from a hospital on the Argyll and Bute mainland. In order to transport medical supplies to islands and medical practices further afield, a drone will use mobile connectivity, satellite communications and navigation, and Earth observation data to chart its course. The UK space industry is well-positioned to support the unparalleled national effort in the fight against Covid-19 and recover strongly from the global pandemic, utilising some of the most established in the field across the country.
