commissioning research to gather evidence to develop and support our understanding of the environmental impact of spacecraft launch - Extension.
DfTc - Department for TransportEstimated Value
£200,000 – £0
Deadline
11 March 2025
Published
12 June 2026
Type
services
Overview
The Department for Transport (DfT) is interested in commissioning research to gather evidence to develop and support our understanding of the environmental impact of spacecraft launch. There is a gap in understanding of the impact of rocket launches on atmospheric composition and climate, both for current and new rocket fuels.
We want to understand the chemistry, volumes of exhaust entering the atmosphere, especially stratosphere, from rocket launch activities, its dispersion and their contribution to climate change. This research will allow DfT to understand whether there is an atmospheric issue from the effects of spacecraft launches and the potential size of the problem.
AI Analysis
Powered by AI — always verify against official documents
The Department for Transport wants to commission research to understand how spacecraft and rocket launches affect the environment, particularly the atmosphere and climate. They need evidence on exhaust chemistry, volumes released into the stratosphere, and whether this causes a real atmospheric problem as the UK's space industry grows.
Requirements
- Research expertise in atmospheric science, rocket exhaust chemistry, or environmental impact assessment
- Ability to gather and analyse evidence on current and new rocket fuel impacts
- Understanding of stratospheric processes and climate change mechanisms
- Capability to assess dispersion of rocket exhaust in the atmosphere
- No specific certifications or qualifications mentioned in the notice — check full tender documents
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Research and map the chemistry of rocket exhaust (both current and emerging fuel types)
- Quantify volumes of exhaust entering the atmosphere and stratosphere from UK launch activities
- Model and analyse how rocket exhaust disperses in the atmosphere
- Assess the contribution of spacecraft launches to climate change
- Produce evidence and findings to help DfT understand if atmospheric damage from launches is a genuine problem and its scale
- Provide recommendations for potential regulatory or environmental controls
How to Read This Tender
- 1This is a research commission, not a supply or construction contract — you're being asked to investigate a scientific question and deliver findings, not physical goods. Focus on your research methodology and evidence-gathering approach.
- 2The phrase 'Extension' in the title suggests this may be an extension to an existing research project — check if you need prior knowledge of previous work or if you're starting fresh.
- 3Look carefully in the full tender documents for: the budget available, the timescale for delivery, what format the final report must take, and whether they want interim findings.
- 4The DfT has identified a specific knowledge gap (rocket fuel impacts are not well understood) — frame your bid to show you can fill that gap with rigorous, credible research.
- 5This touches on a politically sensitive area (environmental regulation of a growing industry) — be clear on your independence and how you'll ensure objectivity in findings.
Tips for Small Businesses
- Consider partnering with universities or research institutes if you lack in-house atmospheric science expertise — many SMEs bid as lead with academic partners as subcontractors, which strengthens credibility.
- Highlight any previous government research contracts or publications in peer-reviewed journals — DfT will want evidence you can deliver rigorous, publishable science.
- Check if social value scoring applies (many government research tenders do) — emphasize how your findings will support UK space industry growth while protecting the environment, creating a positive narrative.
Award Details
University of Leeds
£200,000
Before you bid, buyers check
two years of filed accountsyour financial standingturnover vs contract valueyour Companies House recordcash flow for 30-day termscredit scores and ratios
Actions
Sign up freeto open noticeA free account takes a moment and unlocks the buyer’s own notice, tender documents, fit scoring and the Bid Writer. From 1 September 2026 opening these links becomes £2/month membership.
Open Bid WriterIndependent software, web & cloud studio. We design, build and grow digital products that quietly outlast their category.
How to Apply
Step-by-step submission guide
Submission Portal
Contracts Finder
Open the original notice
Click the button below to view this tender on Contracts Finder
Find the submission method
Look for "How to apply" section — most tenders link to an eSourcing platform (e.g. In-Tend, ProContract, Jaggaer)
Create an account
Register on the eSourcing platform for free — you'll need a company email and DUNS number
Download tender documents
Download the ITT (Invitation to Tender), specification, pricing schedule, and any templates
Submit your response
Upload completed documents through the portal before the deadline — late bids are automatically rejected
Most buyers do NOT accept email submissions. You must submit through their eSourcing platform. Check the notice for the exact link.
Buyer Profile
DfTc - Department for TransportKey Dates
Published
12 June 2026
Submission deadline
11 March 2025
Notice type
Contract
Source
contracts finder
Related Contracts
CA18373 - ITT for the provision of pest control services
Provision of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Pest Control Services for New College Swindon across two campuses. Requirements include planned preventative maintenance, reactive
CA18367 - DN colleges group - ITT for lifts & escalators service & maintenance
DN Colleges Group is seeking to appoint suitably experienced contractor(s) to provide planned preventative maintenance, servicing, reactive and emergency breakdown support, repair
CA18366 - request for tender - brand, media and communications engagement strategy
Keys Academies invites suitably experienced organisations to tender for the development and delivery of a bespoke brand, media and communications engagement strategy. The successfu
CA18364 - tender 56/2026 - nmandd peaceplus thriving together community justice - youth intervention programme impact: choices and consequences
NMDDC seeks to appoint an experienced provider to design and deliver a district wide behaviour change programme for young adults aged 18-24. The programme will use interactive dram