The UK, alongside partner countries within the Combined Space
Operations Initiative (CSpO), has published a
vision affirming a shared commitment to lead as
responsible actors in space, while protecting and defending
against hostile space activities.
Presenting a shared vision for the next decade, the publication
outlines the guiding principles and purpose of the initiative,
which comprises Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand,
the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The document – co-drafted by all seven nations - recognises space
as integral to everyday civilian life, as well as modern
multi-domain military operations. It sets out a shared desire to
accelerate and improve CSpO partners’ ability to conduct combined
military space operations, as responsible space actors, in order
to increase security and prevent escalation in space and on
Earth.
Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Smyth, Director of the MOD Space
Directorate, said:
Through the sharing of intelligence, information, and training
with allies and partners, we can be greater than the sum of our
parts in our joint pursuit for a safe and secure space domain.
Vision 2031 allows us to share the latest knowledge on policy,
capabilities and operations, which will help us to deliver the
Defence Space Strategy and strive to create a professional,
highly skilled, and energised space community across Defence.
The vision aligns with the Defence Space
Strategy (DSS), released in February 2022, outlining how
an additional £1.4 billion investment in Defence Space will
protect the UK’s national interests in an era of ever-growing
threats, as well as stimulating growth and innovation across the
sector. The DSS set out how the UK will collaborate further with
CSpO, the Five Eyes partners, NATO, and other like-minded
nations, as we deliver shared space operations, architectures,
and capabilities.
In doing so, the UK and its partners will prevent escalation,
deter hostile activities, optimise resources and enhance mission
assurance and resilience – preserving the UK’s strategic
advantage in the space domain.
The Principals Board of the Combined Space Operations Initiative
last met at Cape Canaveral in Florida in December 2021. During
this event Defence leaders highlighted the importance of
developing a shared understanding of the responsible uses of
space, discussed opportunities for interoperability of space
systems, and explored ways to enhance collaboration between the
partners’ respective space operations centres, including the UK
Space Operations Centre located at RAF High Wycombe.
This vision 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.
