Armed forces personnel are to have access to the latest space
technology for military operations, following a deal signed for a
new satellite.
The £40 million project with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd will
support around 200 skilled jobs, boosting the UK's space sector
and helping to grow the economy.
Named Juno, the satellite will be able to capture daytime images
of the Earth's surface, strengthening the UK's Intelligence,
Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
capabilities. Expected to launch in 2027, Juno will have
advanced imagery sensors, building on the capabilities of Tyche,
UK Space Command's first satellite which successfully launched in August
this year.
Both satellites form part of the Ministry of Defence's
space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
programme, which will deliver a constellation of satellites and
supporting ground systems by 2031.
These satellites will support military operations, for instance
by monitoring adversary activities, and also contribute to other
government tasks, including natural disaster monitoring, the
development of mapping information, environmental monitoring and
tracking the impact of climate change around the
world.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry said:
“The contract for Juno shows the UK's commitment to grow one of
the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world
and keep our competitive edge in space science and
technology.
“Juno will not only support Armed Forces personnel deployed
globally, but also support highly skilled jobs, delivering on the
government's growth mission.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
said:
“With Tyche in space, and Juno now on contract, UK Space
Command's ISTARI programme is making great strides, showcasing
innovation and collaboration across government and industry.
“With these Earth Observation satellites on orbit, UK Space
Command and defence will be better equipped to conduct all-domain
military operations and deliver assured space-based intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance to the joint force and our
allies.”
The contract for Juno was awarded via competitive procurement to
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), the same company that
manufactured Tyche.
SSTL employs around 400 engineers, technicians and support staff
across its two sites in Guildford, Surrey, and Bordon, Hampshire.
With around half of these employees expected to work on the
project, Juno will play a key part in securing critical UK skills
in the growing global space sector. The project will also help
inform the procurement strategy for future space capability
requirements.
Andrew Cawthorne, Managing Director, SSTL, said:
“We're incredibly proud that the Ministry of Defence has again
placed its trust in SSTL to deliver the UK's next sovereign
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance spacecraft.
“Juno will offer a step change in imaging capability over Tyche,
SSTL's demonstrator spacecraft which launched in August and is
now being operated for UK Space Command. We look forward to
continuing our successful relationship with UK Space Command,
DE&S, and Dstl, and playing a leading role in delivering the
UK Defence Space Strategy."
Paul Russell, Space team leader at DE&S
said:
“Placing contracts and managing delivery of a new generation of
UK military capabilities for use in a complex and critical
environment takes incredible focus and collaborative working with
our defence and industry partners. These efforts are key in
ensuring the UK Armed Forces have access to the surveillance and
intelligence information they need to maintain a competitive
edge.”
