- UK’s first Defence Space Strategy published today to address
growing threats
- £1.4 billion invested in cutting-edge technology to protect
UK interests in space
- UK will strengthen partnerships with key allies and NATO to
build stability and resilience
Following publication of the National Space
Strategy in September last year, the Defence Space Strategy
(DSS) outlines how Defence will protect the UK’s national
interests in space in an era of ever-growing threats, stimulating
growth across the sector and supporting highly skilled jobs
across the UK.
As part of the new £1.4 billion investment, over the next ten
years £968 million will be committed to deliver a multi-satellite
system to support greater global surveillance and intelligence
for military operations – known as the ISTARI Programme. A
further £61 million will explore cutting-edge laser
communications technology to deliver data from space to Earth at
a speed equivalent to superfast broadband.
This substantial investment in space defence is on top of the
existing £5 billion already upgrading the UK’s Skynet satellite
communications capability – providing strategic communication
services to the UK Armed Forces and allies.
Defence Secretary said:
It’s crucial we continue to push the frontiers of our defence
space ambitions, enhancing our military resilience and
strengthening our nation’s security.
This significant investment will help to ensure the UK remains at
the forefront of space innovation and one step ahead of our
competitors.
Through close international collaboration with our allies and
NATO, the DSS outlines how the UK will protect our space
interests, build stability, increase resilience and prevent
conflicts from extending into space. In addition to projects
funded by £1.4 billion, a series of supporting programmes funded
through existing investment will launch as part of the DSS to
provide cutting-edge technologies for intelligence, surveillance,
situational awareness, and Command and Control. These include:
MINERVA
An additional £127 million invested over the next four years will
develop a network of satellites designed to integrate space with
land, air, sea and cyber. An operational concept demonstrator,
the new programme “MINERVA”, will present the UK’s ability to
autonomously collect, process and disseminate data from UK and
allied space assets to support frontline military
decision-making. Work has already commenced on the programme and
MINERVA will present a developed and tested system in due course,
which will be brought together under the established UK Space
Command and underpin the £968 million ISTARI Programme.
PROMETHEUS 2
Designed and assembled by In-Space Missions Ltd in Alton, two
tiny satellites (30cm x 20cm x 10cm), comparable to the size of a
shoebox, will provide a test platform for monitoring through GPS,
radio signals and sophisticated imaging, paving the way for a
more collaborative and connected space communication system with
our combat allies.
These satellites will support MOD’s science and technology
activities both in orbit and on the ground through the
development of ground systems focussed at the Defence Science and
Technology Laboratory site near Portsmouth.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike
Wigston said:
With this strategy, the Ministry of Defence will protect and
promote the United Kingdom’s interests in space, and take a
leading role in the coalition of like-minded nations and
organisations who have come together to ensure space is there for
the benefit of all.
In a separate development, Oxford Space Systems has today
announced an investment round of £4 million which, subject to
final completion, will accelerate the build of their innovative
Wrapped Rib Antenna. Working in collaboration with the Ministry
of Defence and backed by UK venture capital investors and the
National Security Strategic Investment Fund, the project will
create up to 50 new jobs. The technology will enable high
resolution imaging from small satellite earth observation
missions, irrespective of weather conditions or daylight.
The UK has been operating in space continuously since 1988 and
boasts a world-leading sovereign satellite communications
capability. UK Space Command, established in July 2021, will lead
our Defence space approach, harnessing the energy and
adaptability of the country’s space sector, while driving
integration, innovation and conducting day-to-day space
operations, all under a single command.
The DSS reinforces objectives outlined in the 2021 Integrated
Review: to build resilience, shape the international order of the
future; sustain strategic advantage through science and
technology; and strengthen security and defence at home and
overseas.
