The UK Space Agency has begun a new challenge asking young people to offer innovative ideas that could use data collected from space to boost the country’s economy, health or the environment.

The newly launched SatelLife Challenge is now in its second year and open for people aged between 11 and 22.

Divided into three age groups, SatelLife Challenge primarily intends to promote the development of science, data handling and technological skills.

“We need to ensure the potential benefits of space are felt across the whole economy and encourage young British entrepreneurs to develop ideas that rival the best in the world.”

With overall prizes of £7,500 for the best individual and best team, the competition offers a total prize of £50,000.

SatelLife Challenge will be adjudged by experts from the UK Space Agency, the European Space Agency, Satellite Applications Catapult in Harwell, UK, and other industry representatives.

Interested participants can send their entries in teams or individuals. The winners will be able to pitch their idea to a panel of ‘dragons’ from the space industry.

The second edition of SatelLife Challenge is set to be closed on 25 February.

UK Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “Young people today will be an integral part of our mission to grow the UK’s share of the global space market to 10% by 2030, as set out in our industrial strategy.

“We need to ensure the potential benefits of space are felt across the whole economy and encourage young British entrepreneurs to develop ideas that rival the best in the world.”

Proposals from the first edition of SatelLife Challenge, which was held last year, included a solution that helps to increase the survival rate of heart attack victims by using GPS trackers in fitness devices, and an app that warns people about impending natural disasters.