Space data will soon help local authorities to identify ‘hidden’ vulnerable people under new plans announced today.

Three projects have been given the backing by the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency to explore how space-enabled technologies can support the response to the coronavirus crisis.

One of these - Isolation + - will use space data analytics combined with ground information to help local authorities target support at those exposed to the impacts of COVID-19 through poverty and age.

Space-enabled drones will also deliver COVID-19 testing kits and testing kits to a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland.

A new app supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing will use satellite communications to reward young people for acting positively.

Science minister Amanda Solloway said: ‘I’m proud of how our world-leading space sector is stepping up to provide innovative solutions to directly support our amazing NHS, as we continue our national effort to tackling coronavirus.

’The projects we are backing today show UK ingenuity at its finest, and will make a real difference to how we use this latest innovative technology to deliver critical healthcare now and long into the future.’