UK Space Agency and the Satellite Applications Catapult at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire have been working on a range of technologies which not only explore the solar system but which are already being used to support patient care.

One piece of technology uses microelectromechanical (MEMS) gyroscope equipment in a wearable monitor to help elderly and vulnerable people avoid falls. Physiotherapists can prescribe a personalised exercise programme to reduce the risk of a fall after a 10 minute assessment of the patient. America’s space programme to monitor how people walk helped with the development of this technology.

“UK Space Agency and the Satellite Applications Catapult at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire have been working on a range of technologies which not only explore the solar system but which are already being used to support patient care“

In a trial funded by the UK Space Agency’s Space for Smarter Government Programme, cancer screening vans are being used to beam images directly back to assessment centres to reduce the time it takes to diagnose cancer which also removes the need for paper records.

UK Space Agency head of applications, Emily Gravestock said: “Technology from space is already improving our daily lives, and health is no exception. The NHS breast screening vans are a great example of how Britain’s world-leading space industry has come up with an innovative solution to support vital public services. As our space sector continues to grow, with support the support of Government’s Industrial Strategy, these opportunities will only increase.”

NHS England is currently working with Innovate UK to invest a £100 million grant to improve connectivity through satellite to share healthcare information. Apps which use satellite technology could be used to give personalised risk assessments of sun exposure. Apps such as Happy Sun could form part of a patient’s package of care in the near future.