Good to read a few more details.Maybe sponsorship might not be forthcoming.
But maybe look at some sort of magazine feature of your projects (not sure which magazines-maybe a science mag or that posh out fitters magazine).
I have been doing some home brew photography projects,and push the boundaries,with various technical equipment,the results have been of such a high nature,that I was approached by a number of magazines for an article.The money was quite a welcome bonus!,also approached by the developers of equipment in the U.S as my different approach impressed them too.
So,with what you are doing,you have really excelled,and put quite a bit of kit up for this,and its finally paid off.I'd say you have an outstanding story here,that will really put some coin back into your pocket.
