A UK Space Agency programme that uses satellite-enabled technology to tackle global challenges has won an international award.

The International Partnership Programme (IPP) has been honoured by the Space & Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) in their fifth annual Better Satellite World Awards, set up to “recognise those who make the world a more prosperous, healthier, better-educated, sustainable and inclusive place”.

Graham Turnock, chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “Our International Partnership Programme is the world’s largest space programme for sustainable development, and it is doing fantastic work delivering innovative solutions to problems all over the globe.

"We are proud of the difference IPP makes to the lives of those in developing and emerging countries, while supporting jobs in the UK, and I am delighted that this has been recognised by SSPI.”

IPP is an annual £30 million space development programme that was established in 2016. It focuses on using the UK space sector’s research and innovation capabilities to deliver sustainable economic and societal benefits to emerging and developing economies around the world.

The Better Satellite World Campaign (run by SSPI) works with partner associations and dozens of supporting companies around the world to change the global conversation about satellites and promote their influence on the economy, business and societies everywhere.

The 2019 award winners will be honoured at the Better Satellite World Awards Dinner on 2 December in London.