The Ministry of Defence has launched a new Defence Space Strategy. The Strategy, which supports the UK’s National Space Strategy, sets out Defence’s ambition to be a meaningful player in the Space domain for decades to come.
The new Strategy explains how the Ministry of Defence will Protect and Defend space assets and services of the UK and our allies through our own space-related capabilities, associated operations, and global alliances. It directly supports the cross-Government National Space Strategy, published in September 2021, which set out the Government’s ambitions for the UK in space, bringing together civil and defence policy for the first time.
The Defence Space Strategy supports the four Integrated Review objectives to:
- Strengthen security and defence at home and overseas
- Build resilience
- Sustain strategic advantage through science and technology
- Shape the international order of the future
UK Space Command, which stood-up in July 2021, will be at the forefront of delivering the Defence Space Strategy, supporting both the Government and its Joint Commanders. It will harness the energy and adaptability of UK’s space sector, drive space capability development across the Front-Line Commands, lead integration, deliver leading edge capabilities, generate the workforce, and conduct day-to-day space operations, all under a single, joint command.
"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."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston
Chief of the Air Staff
"Our Strategy identifies how UK Space Command will lead Defence’s approach to operations in space, workforce generation and sustainment, and deliver capability programmes in support of the UK and its allies. Alongside our partners at home and abroad, our personnel will help to keep space safe, secure, and sustainable for all generations."
Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey
Commander of UK Space Command
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As part of the Defence Space Strategy, the UK will invest £1.4 billion to bolster our national interests in space and launch a series of projects funded through existing investment, including MINERVA and Prometheus-2.