UK Space Agency launches 2.6-mln-pound fund to fight COVID-19 outbreak

The UK Space Agency launched Tuesday a 2.6 million pounds (about 3.27 million U.S. dollars) fund to develop space-enabled technology and services in a bid to help the National Health Service (NHS) combat the novel coronavirus pandemic.

"Satellite data and drone technology can help meet challenges such as delivering test kits, masks, gowns and goggles, managing infectious disease outbreaks and supporting the health and wellbeing of the nation," said a joint statement of the agency and the Department for Business, Energy Industrial Strategy.

As a joint initiative with the European Space Agency (ESA), the funding "comes from ESA's Business Applications Space Solutions fund, which the UK is the leading investor in," said the statement.

"This new funding will ensure that the latest innovations will be on the frontline of tackling the unique problems the coronavirus outbreak has created, helping medical staff to focus on delivering world-class care," said Minister for Science, Research and Innovation Amanda Solloway.

As of Monday afternoon, the death toll of those hospitalized in Britain who tested positive for the virus reached 12,107, marking a daily increase of 778, the Department of Health and Social Care said Tuesday.

As of Tuesday morning, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Britain reached 93,873, said the department.