20220120-UK Defence Space Strategy Feb 22

Defence Space Strategy:
Operationalising the
Space Domain
February 2022
MOD5988 252415_MOD Space defence strategy A4_v4 AW ALT.indd 1 20/09/2021 17:32

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Contents
Ministerial Foreword 4
Executive Summary 5
1. Context 9
Space – An Operational Domain 9
Threats and Hazards 10
International Allies and Partners 12
Industry and Commercial Ventures 13
2. Strategic Intent 16
Construct 16
Cross-Cutting Principles 17
Strategic Themes 18
3. Strategic Theme 1 Protect and Defend 19
4. Strategic Theme 2 Enhance Military
Operations 22
5. Strategic Theme 3 Upskill and Cohere 25
6. Capability Management 28
Approach 28
Defence Space Portfolio 29
Priorities 30
7. Governance 33
Hierarchy 33

4 Defence Space Strategy: Operationalising the Space Domain
Ministerial
Foreword
The importance of space to Defence is The UK has also long been at the forefront
irrefutable. It affords us operational of building international consensus for
advantage against potential adversaries measures to avoid an arms race in space
and, as a nation, we depend on it for and has achieved success in pursuit of this
resilience and our way of life. The recent goal. As in other domains, it is vital that we
publication of the UK’s first integrated continue to work within key alliances,
National Space Strategy and this Defence including international partners, industry and
Space Strategy reflects our commitment to academia, to achieve success and make the
ensuring the UK maintains freedom of most of opportunities. We will deepen our
action in this critical domain and can protect close work with the US and will seek to
and defend the UK’s interests at home and collaborate further with Five Eyes partners,
overseas. the Combined Space Operations (CSpO)
For hundreds of years, the UK Armed partner nations, NATO and other like-
Forces have defended the nation's interests minded powers, as we develop our Defence
across the land and maritime domains and, space capabilities.
for over a century now, also done so within Capability development will be guided by the
the air domain. However, as the Integrated ‘own-collaborate-access' framework first laid
Review made clear, we live in a more out in the Integrated Review. There will be
intensely competitive world and we must areas where we need dedicated sovereign
modernise to meet new and future capability, but also cases where we will
challenges. Space and Cyber have now access technology from elsewhere or utilise
been recognised as operational domains in collaborations and partnerships to broaden
their own right and Defence must take capabilities and deepen resilience.
advantage of this, integrating our capabilities This is a pivotal moment for Defence as it
so that they work together seamlessly seeks to operationalise the space domain at
across all domains. pace. This strategy sets out how Defence
Space has brought unprecedented will support national efforts to become a
advantages and new threats. Daily life is meaningful actor in space, able to secure
reliant on space and, for the Armed Forces, UK interests alongside those of our allies
space underpins vital, battle-winning and partners, to preserve strategic
technologies. From space we can deliver advantage, and contribute to a safe,
global command & control, communications, sustainable, secure and accessible
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, environment, now and in the years to come.
precision navigation, and more. Adversaries
understand this reliance and are increasingly
able to exploit vulnerabilities, threatening our Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP
strategic stability and security. Secretary of State for Defence

Defence Space Strategy: Operationalising the Space Domain 5
Executive
Summary
“We will make the UK a This Defence Space Strategy directly

supports the integrated National Space
meaningful actor in space, Strategy.1 It sets out our vision for Defence
with an integrated space as a global actor in the space domain and
strategy which brings together articulates how MOD will deliver the Protect
and Defend goal through space-related
military and civil space policy capabilities, operations and partnerships,
for the first time.” delivering against the ambition to become
a meaningful actor in space. Its themes
Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, and principles also align with and support
Prime Minister, Integrated the broader goals and key interventions in
the national strategy, including the need to
Review, 16th March 2021 nurture and grow talent. It supports all four
of the Integrated Review’s (IR)2 objectives
to: strengthen security and defence at
home and overseas; build resilience; sustain
strategic advantage through science and
technology; and shape the international
order of the future.
1. National Space Strategy, dated September 2021. 2. Integrated Review of Security, Defence,
Development and Foreign Policy, dated
March 2021.

As the National Space Strategy makes UK Defence will be at the heart of Allied
clear, we already rely heavily on space for space efforts, providing resilience and
critical services that impact daily on civil, complementarity in our joint pursuit for a
commercial and military sectors. These safe and secure space domain. Our unique
include, but are by no means limited to, global presence and close cooperation with
global communications, secure banking allies and partners – including with Five Eyes
transactions, transport, meteorology partners3 and through NATO – mean we are
and navigation. Space is a key enabler well-placed to drive international efforts to
for Defence operations and is now integrate space as one of the five operational
an operational domain in its own right domains. By doing so we will help to
(alongside cyber, maritime, air and land). prevent conflict, deter escalation, optimise
It is also fundamental to our aspiration to resources and enhance mission assurance
integrate across those five domains. Space and resilience. We will preserve our
enables our ability to command and control strategic advantage.
globally, provide surveillance, intelligence and The Ministry of Defence (MOD) Space
missile warning, as well as support deployed Directorate will engage cross-government
Joint forces, including activity such as the and with our allies and partners to shape
delivery of precision weapons from the UK and develop Defence policy and strategy
Carrier Strike Group with embarked F35, relating to the space domain. The Directorate
mine clearance and humanitarian operations. will also continue to enhance our existing
In a harsh and increasingly competitive close relationships within Defence,
domain, space capabilities and activities are particularly with the single Service Front-Line
continually subject to threats and hazards. Commands and UK Strategic Command,
Most are environmental: the natural hazards to ensure that activity within the domain
of space weather, radiation and meteoroid is integrated and effective, whilst leveraging
showers. Some are man-made hazards, synergies and capabilities in the
such as space debris, collisions, and human other domains.
error. Others are nefarious, as hostile actors
and competitors seek to maximise their
relative advantage in the domain. We must
therefore work to both protect and defend
the UK’s equities in space and the services
derived from space assets.
3. A
ustralia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, US.

UK Space Command will lead our such as Synthetic Aperture Radar

approach to space operations, Force constellations, underpinned by a novel and
Generation and capability programmes, secure ground architecture to extend the
supporting the government and Joint digital backbone into space. We will also
Commanders in standing Defence tasks, invest in a Space Domain Awareness
overseas operations and contingent programme and in Space Control. We
functions. It will harness the energy and will invest in Command and Control and
adaptability of UK’s space sector, drive work with the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to
space capability development across the establish a combined military and civilian
Front-Line Commands, lead integration, National Space Operations Centre.
deliver leading edge capabilities, generate We will ensure that we embed dual use
the Force and conduct day-to-day at the heart of our capability management
space operations, all under a single, processes, considering how we can share
joint command. Defence space capabilities and outputs with
As tangible demonstration of our ambition other government departments, including the
in space, we are investing a further £1.4Bn security and intelligence services, as well as
in space over the next 10 years, in addition potentially, with commercial users. In order
to existing commitments. We will continue to get best value for money, we will critically
to develop new capabilities fit for the assess what capabilities we must own on
information age within a balanced Defence a sovereign basis, those for which we can
Space Portfolio. We will exploit the current collaborate with our allies and partners
and future opportunities offered by space (with the added benefits of generating mass
technologies and UK industrial strength, and burden sharing), and those we can
as well as identifying opportunities for access via the commercial market. This
military/civil dual use. We will deliver the ‘own, collaborate or access’ framework
Skynet 6 programme, for which we are will be used to define the UK approach to
already investing more than £5Bn over the every aspect of space capability, remaining
next 10 years, to further enhance the UK’s coherent with the approach detailed in
secure Satellite Communications capability the IR.4
and ensure the continued capacity to Through the implementation of this Strategy,
move large volumes of data to support in direct support of the National Space
Defence tasks and government activities. Strategy, Defence will play a critical role in
Space-based Intelligence, Surveillance ensuring the UK becomes a meaningful
and Reconnaissance capabilities will form player in space.
a large part of the portfolio, given its
criticality to all military operations and other
capability investments. We will develop
a cutting-edge suite of on-orbit sensors,
4 . Integrated Review, Section IV Strategic

Framework, Chapter 1, page 38, para 10.

Space-based SAR – NovaSAR5
5. Source: Dstl.

1. Context
Space – An Operational re-usable capabilities and emerging life

extension services. We are seeing the
Domain space domain become more competitive,
1.1. As the National Space Strategy makes congested and contested.
clear, access to space is of vital national 1.3. For these reasons, space is now our fifth
importance. It plays an integral role in our operational domain. It includes the satellites
daily lives and ensures military operations in space, supporting ground infrastructure,
can deliver across the spectrum of national and the information layer connecting ground
security tasks. We live in an era of persistent and space. All of this enables our Armed
competition and confrontation, in which Forces to compete in the Information
long-held assumptions are challenged Age.6.7 To address constant competition
daily. Our adversaries exploit the ambiguity in the future, we must set a precedent for
below the threshold of armed conflict to space behaviours that will increase the
seek advantage, exploiting our vulnerabilities transparency, predictability and security of
by seeking to deny us access to space- all space systems and enable us to operate
derived services or threatening our satellites. and, if necessary, compete in and through
This is further exacerbated by a lack of space. A comprehensive understanding of
internationally accepted responsible activity in the space domain and an ability to
space behaviours. protect, defend and integrate, as we have for
1.2. The growth of the space industry and the other domains, will be crucial in enabling
the rapid acceleration and proliferation of our Armed Forces to respond to future
technology has seen commercial products global challenges.
that are increasingly sophisticated. Access
to space has become easier due to cheaper
and more frequent launch opportunities,
the deployment of mega-constellations,
6. Joint Doctrine Publication 0–30: UK Air and Space 7. A

P3002 Air and Space Warfare, 4th Edition, dated
Power, dated December 2017, states that “Space October 2020, states that “What has changed
power makes a pivotal contribution to the potency is the emergence of the space and cyber &
of UK military power, both as an enabling domain electromagnetic domains as war fighting domains
and, increasingly, as an operating domain in its within the contemporary operating environment,
own right.“ where they were previously treated as enablers of
land, maritime and air.”

1.4. Defence investment through a blend Threats and Hazards

of assured commercial and military grade
solutions will continue to increase flexibility, 1.5. The international security context,
adaptability, tempo, resilience and overall characterised by persistent, aggressive state
agility of the Armed Forces. We will, competition, has led to the development of
therefore, maintain the UK’s position as capabilities that threaten our access to,
a leading military power and support UK and use of, space. The space domain
prosperity by enabling a safer, more secure could be disrupted (either temporarily or
and sustainable operating environment, long-term and potentially at critical moments)
helping the UK space industry to continue or targeted by threats ranging from
to flourish. This increased investment in, and non-kinetic effects and electronic warfare
oversight of, space endeavours will help the to kinetic attack (Figure 1).
UK meet the goals outlined in the National
Space Strategy, namely to; grow and level
up our space economy, promote the values
of Global Britain, lead pioneering scientific
discovery and inspire the nation, use space
to deliver for UK citizens and the world, and
protect and defend our national interests in
and through space.
Laser Cyber Ground Site Direct

Counter-ISR Dazzling Attack Attack Ascent ASAT
Temporary Denial Permanent Kill
Electronic Satellite C2 DEW Orbital Exo-atmospheric

Warfare Jamming ASAT ASAT Nuclear Attack
Figure 1: The Counterspace Continuum

1.6. Adversaries understand our reliance our national sovereign resilience and
on space services and major powers are competitiveness in this congested and
increasingly able to exploit the vulnerability contested environment.
of satellites and degrade the UK’s access to
1.8. We will continue to support ongoing
space, threatening our strategic stability and
cross-government work, particularly with
security. They can employ a wide range of
the security and intelligence services, to
capabilities, including the use of Electronic
collate collective understanding of the risks
Warfare (EW), cyber capabilities, Directed
to space-based services and supply chains
Energy Weapons (DEW), Co-orbital
and ensure that these are represented
Anti-Satellite (ASAT) weapons and
correctly in national strategic documentation.
Direct-Ascent ASAT (DA-ASAT)
missiles to intercept and exploit satellite
communications and threaten and potentially
destroy our space systems.
1.7. In particular, cyber threats have the
potential to deny, disrupt or deceive satellite
data, and the increasingly pervasive nature
of adversarial space-based Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
is affecting how we conduct military
operations more than ever. Our inaction
risks undermining the significant investments
we have made in capabilities reliant upon
the space domain and we need to improve
Examples of International Threats – Russia

Russia has conducted a number of on-orbit activities that have drawn attention and
concern from allies and partners across the globe. These include contesting the
electromagnetic spectrum, targeting the vital link between satellites and ground
segments, as well as satellites in orbit that can release smaller secondary and even
tertiary devices (like a Russian doll), with the possibility that some may have a
destructive capability. Twice in 2020, Russia continued with its series of test-launches
of Direct Ascent Anti-Satellite weapons and in 2021 Russia conducted a destructive
test that resulted in at least 1500 trackable pieces of debris in low earth orbit that was
condemned by many.
“This destructive anti-satellite missile test by Russia shows a complete disregard for the
security, safety and sustainability of space. The debris resulting from this test will
remain in orbit, putting satellites and human spaceflight at risk, for years to come.”
Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, Secretary of State for Defence, DefenceHQ Twitter
16th November 2021.

Examples of International Threats – China

“China has a robust direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) programme, multi-use
capabilities on orbit that are necessary for Co-orbital ASAT weapons, and widely
used electronic and cyber counterspace capabilities.”
“China continues to conduct tests of its operational... DA-ASAT system. However, China
no longer needs to use kinetic tests to prove that its DA-ASAT capabilities can threaten
any... satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and likely Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) as well.”
Space Threat Assessment 2021, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, April 2021
1.9. As well as threats, there are numerous who are committed to the peaceful use of
environmental hazards that have significant space is highly valuable. It will reinforce our
potential to disrupt our capabilities both in global presence, building on the unique
space and on the ground. There are millions advantages offered by our extensive footprint
of pieces of debris orbiting the Earth, from of overseas territories, enabling us to lead
satellite collisions, defunct satellites and pioneering scientific technology development
launcher upper stages, and this raises the and promote the values of Global Britain;
risk of further collisions. Space weather, all of which are critical in achieving strategic
in addition to energetic particle storms stability and sustaining military advantage.
produced by solar flares and major changes
to the solar wind, directly impacts the
Earth’s magnetic field, which could reduce
the effectiveness of satellites or induce
undesirable effects on the ground. A Severe
Space Weather Preparedness Strategy is
due to be published by the Department
for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy (BEIS).
International Allies
and Partners
1.10. Many nations are finding ways to
bolster their global posture and develop
space capabilities to advance their national
agendas and to improve and protect civilian
uses of space services. Our continued
engagement, strengthening long-standing
and mutually beneficial alliances on space
operations, capability and policy, with nations

1.11. We are able to build on our strengths our interests in space (see Section 3). The
in intelligence analysis, space diplomacy, MOD is engaging closely with the Foreign,
leading edge science and strong industrial Commonwealth and Development Office,
innovation, making us a key ally. As a who are leading the way with first-class
founding member of the Combined Space diplomacy and thought-provoking policy
Operations (CSpO) Initiative,8 we are able initiatives such as the landmark UN General
to deepen international collaboration and Assembly Resolution on Reducing Space
cooperation on space policy, capability Threats through Norms, Rules and Principles
development, intelligence and operations of Responsible Behaviours, which saw
with like-minded nations, exchanging data, overwhelming support.10 We must ensure
ideas and activity within a co-dependent that the UK has the capability to underpin
construct. As well as continued close these soft-power initiatives to reduce space
engagement with our Five Eyes partners, threats and ensure continued access to the
we will further enhance our cooperation with space domain.
NATO and continue to seek opportunities for
other bilateral relationships. Industry and Commercial
1.12. We are at the forefront of multinational Ventures
space operations, working alongside some
1.14. Space-related activity11 was once solely
of the finest space operators across the
the preserve of governments; launching
world at the US-led Combined Space
satellites into space relied on the same
Operations Center. We were also first to
technologies as ballistic missiles. Today
publicly join the US in Operation OLYMPIC
though, investment is driven by private
DEFENDER,9 which enables us to share
investors and the UK space industry primary
information, data, and resources as well
income is from commercial ventures.12,13 This
as synchronise space efforts across
has led to a growth in UK income within the
partner nations.
space sector and a greater number of UK
1.13. Working with our allies and partners, companies in recent years, 14extending from
we will continue to monitor, seek to start-ups to multinational conglomerates.
understand and, where appropriate, call out
and respond to actions that are contrary to
8. C urrent participation includes Australia, Canada, 12. Investing in Space is no longer limited to
France, Germany, New Zealand, the United governments, high net-worth individuals and niche
Kingdom and the United States. specialists (‘Size and Health of the UK Space
9. A US-led multinational effort intended to optimise Industry’, dated May 2021, page 21).
space operations, improve mission assurance, 13. 81.3% of total income is commercial. Of the
enhance resilience and synchronise US efforts with remainder, the Defence contribution is 8.6% (‘Size
some of its closest allies. and Health of the UK Space Industry’, dated May
10. 2020 saw the first iteration of the new approach 2021, page 10).
with the UNGA Plenary vote result of 164 in favour 14. T here were over 1200 organisations in the
to 12 against, with 6 abstentions UK Space industry in 2019, including 95 new
11. Including Space operations, Space applications incorporations in the previous two years, and the
and ancillary services, as defined within the report global industry continues to grow at the same rate
‘Size and Health of the UK Space Industry’, dated as the UK’s.
May 2021 (page 6).

1.15. The diverse selection of companies industry with clear guidance regarding the
and organisations offers access to a range technologies and industrial capabilities we
of commercial technological developments need to maintain within Defence (i.e. to be
with the potential for dual-use application, an intelligent customer), what should be
which Defence may wish to simultaneously maintained on shore for national security
utilise and protect from proliferation. As reasons, and what can be procured as
a high-growth, high-skills sector, there assured capability from a broader range
are opportunities for Defence to redefine of suppliers. We will secure access to, and
its procurement processes to maximise sufficient rights of use in, technical data
collaboration to improve recruitment and relating to our Defence space Portfolio in
retention of scarce skills across the sector. order to achieve the long term aims of
In addition, with so much private investment UK Space Command operationally,
and more governments aspiring to deliver industrially and in our international
ambitious space programmes, there will be partnerships with allies.
opportunities to maintain strategic advantage 1.17. In addition, we will explore use of
through development of fast-paced, the National Security Strategic Investment
emerging technologies. Fund, the government’s corporate venturing
1.16. Building on these changes, and the arm for dual-use advanced technologies,
drive to stimulate economic growth and as a vehicle to shape commercial space
national security outlined in the Defence development for Defence needs and
and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS), generate additional return on the investment.
15
Defence has much to contribute to the
continued growth and levelling up of our
space economy across the whole of the
UK. Besides the headline investment of
more than £5Bn over the next ten years
to recapitalise and enhance our satellite
communications capabilities, Defence
anticipates using targeted projects that
can exploit novel technologies and provide
capability to the user faster than traditional
procurement methods. As we develop our
Defence Space Portfolio, we will provide
15. Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, dated

March 2021.

Laser Communications – Titania16
16. Source: Dstl.

2. Strategic Intent
Construct international partners and the commercial,

research and scientific sectors. This
2.1. This Defence Strategy directly supports integration ensures we make the most of
the goals and vision of the National Space UK’s finite resources and bring maximum
Strategy, with particular focus on how we coherence to our national space ambition.
protect and defend our national interests in 2.3. UK Defence will be at the heart of
and through space. It also supports the key Allied space efforts, providing resilience and
interventions in the national strategy, including complementarity in our joint pursuit for a
its stated aim for the UK to become a partner safe and secure space domain. Our unique
of choice in space activities. It contributes global presence, geographic advantage
to all four strategic objectives set out in the and close cooperation with allies and
Integrated Review and articulates Defence’s partners means we are well-placed to drive
approach to space activity out to 2030. international efforts to integrate space as one
2.2. Integration is core to this strategy as it of the five operational domains. By doing
is to the Integrated Review and the National so we will help to prevent conflict, deter
Space Strategy. It highlights the importance escalation, optimise resources and enhance
of integration between domains and across mission assurance and resilience.
Defence, and across government, with 2.4. The construct of the Strategy is shown
at Figure 2.
Vision
To be a meaningful actor in the space domain, securing UK interests alongside our
allies and partners to ensure operational freedom in space.
Mission
To generate, integrate and operate space capabilities to protect and
defend our interests in support of global operations.
Cross-cutting Principles
Broadening and deepening multinational cooperation
Improving cross-government collaboration
Driving innovation and making use of technological opportunities
Own, collaboration or access
Strategic Theme 1 Strategic Theme 2 Strategic Theme 3

Protect and defend Enhance military operations Upskill and cohere
Figure 2 – The Defence Space Strategy Construct

Cross-Cutting Principles ensure that the space agenda is coordinated

across government, ensuring the mutual
2.5. The Cross-Cutting Principles support necessary to maximise national
underpinning this strategy are as follows: resources through delivery of cohesive
. Broadening and deepening
a cross-government space plans. In particular,
multinational cooperation. Achieving we will draw upon existing arrangements
Defence’s space ambition will require the to deliver a more coherent military/civil
closest possible international cooperation. approach to research and development and
We will deepen our strategic relationships, international responsibilities.
shaping perspectives on the space domain . Driving innovation and making use of
c
and promoting its safe and secure use. technological opportunities. We will exploit
We will strengthen bilateral and multilateral the UK’s industrial strength to ensure that we
relations with our Five Eyes partners deliver a robust, credible, modern, agile and
(particularly the US as our primary partner), affordable force. We will ensure that space is
NATO17 and other allies, adopting an considered in Defence’s innovation initiatives
‘international by design’ mindset. This will and that BEIS remains a key partner in
help protect our space interests, build driving space innovation to tackle challenges
stability, increase resilience and deter faced globally. To harness the significant
conflict from extending into space. Additional innovation and industry-driven opportunities
benefits will include learning from those existing across the private sector, we will
nations that are more advanced in certain improve our transparency and foster closer
areas of space-related activity, in order to working relations with a broad range of
more quickly develop UK expertise. We technology companies and developers.
will also support other government We will also support scientific collaboration,
departments, capitalising on our research development and further enhance
established global partnerships. our engagement with academia.
b. Improving cross-government
collaboration. In support of government’s
integrated approach to space activity,
we will further develop our relationships
with other departments, working closely
with BEIS, to improve the way we deliver
space policy and programmes, as well as
the security and intelligence services, to
support domestic and foreign security. We
will support the National Space Council to
17. Including the NATO Bi-Strategic Command Space

Working Group and the NATO Space Centre
(Allied Air Command, Ramstein, Germany).

d. Own, Collaborate or Access. In line c. Upskill and cohere. Produce clear space
with the approach signalled in the National policies, plans and concepts; develop a
Space Strategy and the Integrated Review, skilled and sustainable space workforce;
technologies and services will be identified, recruit, train and retain talented individuals.
developed and generated depending on
the level of ownership and control required,
ensuring our activity complies with the Assured Integrated Review (IR) 2021
Capability Framework.18 The terms are defined We will support the UK space sector to
in the Integrated Review19 as follows: realise the economic benefits from this
( 1) Own. Where the UK has leadership and dynamic and rapidly expanding market,
ownership of new developments, from extending the UK’s influence in the
discovery to large-scale manufacture and space domain.
commercialisation. This will always involve As part of building the UK’s strategic
elements of collaboration and access. advantage through science and
( 2) Collaborate. Where the UK can provide technology, the government will build
unique contributions that allow us to the enabling environment for a thriving
collaborate with others to achieve our goals. UK space industry developing
space – and ground-based
( 3) Access. Where the UK will seek to
technologies.
acquire critical science and technology
from elsewhere, through options, deals and We will promote a ‘whole-of-life’ offer
relationships. This will always be conducted from research and development through
within the bounds of the MOD’s Assured finance to satellite operations, launch
Capability Framework, cognisant of the fact capability, data applications
that there will be differing national levels of and end-of-life services.
assured access requirements. We will carry out more space-
Strategic Themes related science activity, research and
development, and operational concept
2.6. Our space ambitions and planned outputs demonstrators.
will be met through three Strategic Themes:
. Protect and defend. Protect and defend
a
our national interests in and through space
by developing space capabilities to deliver
effective military outcomes; identify and
attribute threats to space systems; respond 18. Assured access to Space and associated industrial
to hostile activities in a proportionate and capability is vital to our operational independence
coordinated manner. – the ability to conduct military operations as we
choose without external political interference, and
. Enhance military operations. Integrate
b to protect the sensitive technologies that underpin
space into all relevant aspects of Defence those capabilities. This is aligned with intent
business; deliver resilient assured space articulated in the Defence and Security Industrial
services crucial to military operations; Strategy, dated March 2021.
19. Integrated Review, Section IV Strategic Framework,
enhance Multi-Domain Integration and Chapter 1, page 38, para 10.global industry
architectures. continues to grow at the same rate as the UK’s.

3. Strategic Theme 1
Protect and Defend
Develop Space Respond to hostile

Identify and
capabilities to deliver activities in a
attribute threats to
effective operational proportionate and
Space systems
outcomes coordinated manner
3.1. In response to our adversaries’ 3.3. As in other domains, we must first

increasing offensive capabilities in space, develop a comprehensive understanding
we require credible deterrence and of the environment in which we operate,
response options to protect and defend compatible with our allies and partners, to
our national interests in and through space. deliver accurate information at the speed of
This includes a coherent and responsive relevance and drive agile decision-making.
intelligence-focussed strategy, effective We will enhance our ability to provide
operational Space Control capability and coherent Space Domain Awareness in order
resilient on-orbit, terrestrial and cyber to anticipate, seek out, identify, analyse,
infrastructure. We understand that our attribute and thus understand threats.
credibility is not simply limited to capability; This will improve our ability to generate
it must include our international alliances, appropriate measures to protect and defend
commercial partnerships and the way in our critical space capabilities. This suite of
which we operate in the domain. integrated, high-tech capabilities that can
3.2. Deterrence is fundamental to our collect, process, exploit and transmit data,
national security and our ability to protect information and intelligence activity in space
our national interests and preserve will help meet our military objectives.
operational independence in space. We will
continue to monitor, seek to understand and,
where appropriate, respond to actions that
are contrary to our interests in space. We
welcome NATO’s recognition that attacks
to, from or within space represent a clear
challenge to the security of the Alliance
and could lead to the invocation of Article
5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. We will seek
appropriate responses in accordance with
international and domestic law.

3.4. We will develop, test safely and UK Space Command, including operational
deliver ambitious protection and defensive level space Command and Control, missile
capabilities, alongside effects in and through warning and increased Space Domain
space, coordinated and integrated with Awareness, as well as exploring further
all other domains. We will ensure that we opportunities within NATO and bilaterally
are using the most innovative solutions where required. We will continue to
in protecting sovereign and allied space support other government departments
systems, including on-orbit infrastructure, such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and
terrestrial space infrastructure, the Development Office, to enhance space
ElectroMagnetic (EM) spectrum and diplomacy, leveraging existing alliances and
cyber vulnerabilities. We will uphold partnerships to establish norms of behaviour
international norms and responsible for the space domain. Our partnership with
behaviours, supporting cross-government operators and owners of the UK’s space
and international efforts on this issue. critical national infrastructure will be further
3.5. We will strengthen our contribution to matured to respond to the growing threat.
Operation OLYMPIC DEFENDER through
The UK Space Operations Centre (SpOC)

Before we can act, we must have the ability to see or sense activity in space, so that
we may understand it, attribute nefarious activity when required, make risk-balanced
decisions and take appropriate action.
We will therefore continue to develop Space Domain Awareness capabilities, including
those provided by RAF Fylingdales, to enhance our ability to detect, track, characterise
and attribute objects in space and build agility into our space Command and Control
mechanisms and decision making. This will also include new Space Domain Awareness
capabilities, nationally and with partners, whether that be from the Earth or from space
We will work closely with commercial partners to integrate staff alongside Defence staff
in the UK SpOC. In partnership with UKSA, we will help establish the National Space
Operations Centre that will be fully integrated with our allies and partners, as well as
across government.

Dstl Hermes Ground Station, Portsdown West, Hampshire20
20. Source: Defence Images.

Enhance Military
Operations
Integrate Space into Deliver resilient Space Enhance Multi-

all relevant aspects of services crucial to Domain Integration
Defence business military operations and architectures
4.1. Our Armed Forces must seek out and 4.3. We will develop secure, assured
seize the enduring strategic advantage and resilient systems and infrastructure,
opportunities offered by space. This means exploiting the very best from the UK space
integrating space capabilities and and Defence sectors to modernise platforms
services across the whole spectrum of and capabilities, including those that enable
multi-domain departmental activity, including Space Control, missile warning and other
operational planning, doctrine, capability integrated operations in space. We will also
development, training and education. champion UK-led science research and
It also means improving the process of development and emerging space services
integrating intelligence products and using technology to enhance our operations in
space technology in our core business to other domains, and that is coordinated with
attain information advantage and enhance capabilities developed in other domains.
operational effectiveness. Space will be a 4.4. We will explore and develop the
fundamental component in meeting the concepts for Defence-led resilient global
Integrated Operating Concept 2025 vision, navigation and alternative means to navigate
moving beyond joint operations to true and synchronise timing. This will include
Multi-Domain Integration. continuing to develop our relationship with
4.2. We must be able to send accurate, the Five Eyes community with regard to
secure data and information rapidly and in Navigation Warfare and also the protection
a format that is easily digestible by the user, and resilience of Position, Navigation and
facilitating decision-makers’ access to the Timing (PNT) capabilities.
information they need, wherever they are on
the globe, more quickly than our adversaries
can react. It is why we will explore ways to
improve our ability to command, control and
co-ordinate space systems, including the
ability to task, access and analyse data and
information effectively, alongside our allies
and partners.

4.5. We will enhance and exploit the UK’s 4.6. As the UK seeks to develop its own
world-renowned satellite communications small satellite capabilities, we will continue to
capability, Skynet, to enable us to better explore the Defence benefits offered by this
deliver our military objectives, support emerging market and consider potential
government activities and provide NATO opportunities for:
with satellite communication provisions a. Quantum field sensors.
alongside France, Italy and the US until
2035. In addition, we will become more b. Secondary payloads for Skynet.
resilient through close integration of c. Space-based ISR utilising multi-sensor
allied capability as well as commercial capabilities.
satellite communications providers, which
d. Novel discrimination and exploitation of
increasingly include military features.
sensitive EM targets.
Novel Sensors and ISR Satellites

The space domain provides unparalleled ubiquity, along with the ability to rapidly
change between outputs from different sensors to allow focus to be moved from one
area of the world to another. This flexibility and breadth of coverage allows Defence to
invest in multi-sensor, wide-area surveillance capabilities that will provide vital protection
and decision-supporting information to our terrestrial forces, whilst burden-sharing
responsibilities with manned surveillance systems and our allies and partners, reducing
the risk we expose our people to and increasing collaboration with our valued partners.
The nature of the environment will also allow Defence to contribute surveillance data
and information to our partners across government, for vital tasks such as terrestrial
environmental monitoring, disaster relief and infrastructure development.
We will advance terrestrial sensors and novel battle-winning space-based ISR, such
as hyperspectral imaging, Electro-Optical and Infra-Red, as well as Synthetic Aperture
Radar constellations to position the UK as a leading nation amongst our allies
and partners.

Skynet
Skynet is a multi-billion pound strategic Defence satellite communications capability.
It supports national prosperity and resilience through the provision of data to enable the
full range of Defence tasks and support to government activities, at home and abroad.
As threats and associated vulnerabilities increase, we must consider how we monitor
the environment around Skynet, ensuring we protect the capability and have the ability
to respond when needed.
Skynet 6A21
21. Source: Defence Images.

Upskill and Cohere
Produce coherent Develop a skilled and Recruit, train and

Space policies sustainable Space retain talented
and plans workforce individuals
5.1. As signalled in the National Space

Strategy, we have established a UK Space
Command as a Joint organisation delivering
the strategic direction set by the MOD’s
Space Directorate. Staffed by personnel
from the Whole Force (comprising Regular
and Reserve personnel from all three
Services, as well as Civil Service and
contracted staff), UK Space Command
will produce coherent plans and manage
activity at the operational to tactical level.
Its priorities will be to: support operations,
be they standing Defence tasks, overseas
operations or contingent functions; lead
an agile approach to our space capability
development and delivery; and generate a
skilled Defence space workforce (training,
education and growth). It will harness the
energy and adaptability of the UK’s space
sector, to ensure the rapid delivery of
leading-edge space capability, and
deliver Command and Control of our
space operations.

UK Space Command
Mission: To protect and defend the UK and allies’ interests in, from and to space,
delivering decisive space power, enabling operational independence, and contributing
to global security.
Purpose: UK Space Command will deliver the UK’s command and control of space.
It will receive policy and strategy direction from the National Space Council and MOD
Space Directorate, coalesce and cohere space capability delivery and operations,
and provide unity of effort to deliver a space enterprise that will:
1. Protect and defend the UK and allies’ interests in space.
2. Enable operational independence for UK and allies’ use of space.
3. Enable integrated action through the provision of space-based services.
4. Promote, monitor and uphold global security and the responsible use of space.
5. Deliver world-renowned, technologically-advanced capabilities.
6. Exploit novel and innovative approaches to organisational and capability processes.
7. Recognise and harness the talent of our military, civilian and commercial
space workforce.
5.2. The National Space Strategy is clear 5.3. We will actively contribute and work
that a skilled workforce is vital to the success with other government departments,
of space businesses and the growth of remaining deeply interactive with industry
the sector. This is also fundamental to and sponsored reserves, to nurture talent
delivery of the Defence vision. The need and improve training for all those involved in
to continue to generate and grow a space the UK space sector, in particular, looking
workforce, by investing in skills and people, at opportunities for combined military and
will require Defence to harness the Whole civil training. We will also continue to improve
Force approach, encompassing military, Civil and expand Defence staff education and
Service and contractor staff. We will build training, making best use of our access
experience and expertise across Defence, to international courses in addition to the
as well as further integrating space Defence Academy and the Air and Space
effectively into exercises and war games Warfare School.
conducted for the maritime, land, air and
cyber-electromagnetic domains.

5.4. To attract and retain a talented and 5.5. The growing space workforce will be
diverse set of individuals, equipped with managed and delivered through structured
the specialist skills required for operational career paths. We will consider adopting
success, we will continue development the Unified Career Management approach,
through recognised and leading expert level as pioneered with the cyber workforce.
operator qualifications and we will introduce As part of this approach, we will develop
lateral entry with specialist education and novel and innovative partnerships with the
training to give individuals access to exciting commercial sector to ensure we unlock the
and rewarding job opportunities. This will full potential of our UK expertise. This will
help grow our Defence space workforce, include commercial staff embedded within
enhance our knowledge and reputation, the UK Space Operations Centre (SpOC)
as well as ensuring we remain intelligent Commercial Integration Cell as well as
customers and users. Options considered further enhancement to the established joint
will include the potential for Reserve space Partnership Agreement with the UKSA to
squadrons, alongside Regular Service fully integrate them into the UK SpOC.
formations. We will also ensure that we have
access to expertise ranging from specialists
in emerging technology, with examples such
as quantum technology and autonomy, to
satellite systems and service procurement.
Defence Space Workforce

We will set the conditions for space
education and training by conducting
a detailed Training Needs Analysis
to understand the totality of the
requirements for the provision of
training for the space workforce, both
in Defence and across Government.
Subject to the results of the Training
Needs Analysis, we will enable
the growth of the Defence space
workforce by integrating with other
Government departments and seeking
collaborative training and education
opportunities, including any potential
for a Space Academy.

6. Capability
Management
Approach capabilities such as Skynet and the UK

Space Operations Centre (SpOC), as well as
6.1. To deliver on our vision, and the Defence informing the capability management and
contribution to the National Space Strategy, investment priorities articulated within the
we will: National Space Strategy and detailed further
. Enhance our Space Domain Awareness to
a here. This evidence will enable the creation
understand the risks to the integrated force of a detailed and prioritised capability plan
in, from, or through space. out to 2030, tailored initially to reflect the
Defence IR funding apportionment out to
. Deliver key elements of the Defence
b 2025. It will be developed by incorporating
Digital Backbone that will process, analyse, the assured capability requirements to strike
fuse, attribute and disseminate high quality the right balance between capabilities we
information and intelligence in real time to own, collaborate on, or access.
the warfighter.
6.3. We will invest a further £1.4Bn in
. Deliver the first in a series of constellations
c space over the next 10 years within a
of novel and multi-spectral sensors to sense, single, coherent space capability pillar.
track and attribute challenging targets UK Strategic Command, the Defence Joint
on Earth. User, Integrated User and Sponsor for
d. Understand, design and field technologies pan-Defence capabilities, will use agile
to protect and defend UK interests in or acquisition and supplier management
from space, above or below the threshold approaches to increase our experimentation
of armed conflict. with industry and rapidly evolve
high-tech demonstrators into fast-paced
e. Enabling operational freedom by securing
capability programmes: from design to
access to, and sufficient rights of use in,
on-orbit output at a much faster pace than
technical data to enable innovation and
traditional procurement activities, delivering
continuous improvement of our
transformational change for our Armed
information advantage.
Forces. We will also ensure that we can
6.2. To support this approach, we have work with our allies and partners to maintain
undertaken a focused, science and resilient operational effectiveness in the face
technology-led analysis to examine whether, of increasing sub-threshold competition.
and how, space domain capabilities
6.4. Consistent with the MOD Science
can provide a cost-effective solution to
and Technology Strategy 2020,22 we will
Defence’s force structure. This has resulted
capitalise on the UK’s world-renowned
in the continued development of existing
science and technology community, which

includes research and development, as it Defence Space Portfolio

has a major role to play in transforming the
way we operate. From providing specialist 6.5. The MOD Space Directorate will provide
advice on space threats and hazards, to the oversight and coherence across Defence
design and development of inventive space and with wider government objectives.
concepts and technologies. Experimentation As we maintain and review our existing
and demonstration within the MOD, working capability management processes, we will
closely with partners across government, take into consideration the civil and military
in industry and academia, will drive needs of multiple government departments
innovation within the UK. Defence R&D wherever possible, and maximise the use of
will work with the civil sector to deliver existing development pipelines, as well as
new capabilities and grow our strategic the proposed Joint Space Innovation Portal.
advantage in S&T. Stronger oversight 6.6. Our prioritised ambitions within
and coherence of experimentation will the space domain will be delivered
guide plans and investment towards rapid through the establishment of a balanced
exploitation of space technology in pursuit Defence Space Portfolio, generated and
of better capability decisions. maintained by UK Space Command. This
will incorporate the existing space-related
Science & Technology capability planning activities across Defence,
Delivered by the Defence Science enabling all space capability development
and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and delivery, but with mechanisms in place
and working across the MOD, wider to protect UK Strategic Command equity.
Government, industry, academia and Embracing the enormous expertise and
internationally, the MOD space science innovative technology that exists in the
and technology programme (which UK and particularly the space sector, the
includes research and development) Defence Space Portfolio will incorporate
will grow to support the delivery of the existing space capability management
Defence ambitions set out in the activity, currently managed by UK Strategic
IR. Projects range from observing, Command, with exciting new initiatives:
characterising and cataloguing space a. Programme of Record. An existing
objects, to developing novel radar sub-portfolio of core programmes, some
concepts and a new generation of already mature, committed to a multi-
deployable satellite antennas. generational backbone of capabilities, able
We will utilise elements of the to deliver and enable enduring operations
Defence Space Portfolio funding to and support the National Space Strategy
further support space science and ambition. Those core programmes include
technology, alongside existing funding Satellite Communications (enabled by the
from a variety of sources including Skynet programme and currently delivered
the Chief Scientific Advisor and the by UK Strategic Command), Space Domain
Defence Innovation Unit. Awareness (enabled by the UK SpOC within
UK Space Command) and missile warning
(enabled by RAF Fylingdales and managed
22. M
OD Science and Technology Strategy 2020, by the UK SpOC).
dated 19th October 2020.

b. New initiatives. We will take an agile our ability to transfer large volumes of data
approach to capability development and globally, rapidly and securely, connecting the
acquisition by pulling through advanced modern battlefield and integrating
S&T, through R&D, into the hands of the the force.
operator, The technical specifications of b. Space Domain Awareness (SDA). The
such capabilities are not articulated here, detection, tracking, characterisation and
due to the classification of the document, attribution of space systems provides an
but will form the core of space capability increased understanding of the space
management within UK Space Command. domain and threats to our critical systems.
Priorities A fundamental enabler of all other space
capabilities, and critical to our ability to
6.7. As space capability matures in line with protect our interests in space in the years
developing policies, the ability to support to come, SDA combines data from a variety
and integrate with other operational of capabilities with intelligence source
domains will be fundamental. Alongside UK outputs. The UK SpOC acts as a hub for
Strategic Command, the Defence lead for data received from RAF Fylingdales, as
Multi-Domain Integration, military activity the lead contributing sensor, as well as
within the space domain will be continually ground-based telescopes, sensor networks
assessed, in order to enable effective and and on-orbit space-monitoring satellites,
coherent integration. This will underpin both UK and foreign. The Defence SDA
comprehensive standards of interoperability programme, which will be boosted by
with our allies and partners, and ensure an addition of over £85M over the next
that our ability to understand, decide and 10 years, will augment and contribute
act is reinforced through accurate, timely to existing allied and commercial data
and reliable data from a comprehensive sources using assured sensor capabilities
suite of sources. This integrated Defence required for national object classification and
space capability management activity will be attribution. We will coordinate information
conducted in accordance with the following and intelligence across all domains to build a
seven prioritised capability themes: richer understanding of the environment we
see ourselves operating in, enhancing this
a. Secure Satellite Communication
using innovative and emergent technology
(SATCOM). Global SATCOM that is secure
that can also be used by our partners across
and resilient, exchanging information via
government. We will ensure that the Defence
satellite to enable enhanced strategic
SDA programme works in conjunction
capabilities, is essential for our operational
with the civil Space Surveillance and
independence. It enables global operations
Tracking programme, led by the UKSA,
and discreet passage of the information at
to bring together the best possible data
a variety of sensitivities and classifications.
and analysis from civil, commercial and
We are already investing over £5Bn over the
classified sources.
next 10 years in our world-renowned Skynet
satellite system, delivered by UK Strategic
Command, and will now invest nearly £60M
of additional funding in Skynet and other
SATCOM capabilities. This will enhance

. Intelligence, Surveillance and

c 2025. In addition, tasking and processing,
Reconnaissance (ISR). ISR comprises exploitation and dissemination capabilities
those elements of Earth Observation (EO) will be developed that are coherent with the
primarily utilised by Defence and Intelligence existing Defence ISR enterprise, compatible
and can be both Earth-facing and space- with existing architectures and inter-operable
facing. The EO elements primarily for civil for the benefit of both the UK and our allies
use include Earth information systems23 and and partners.
other Earth-facing capabilities. Military and d. Space Command and Control. A
civil requirements for EO frequently overlap; comprehensive understanding of data
as such, EO/ISR has dual use at its core. from multiple sources will enable balanced,
EO provides spectral data (imagery) and risk-aware decision-making, exploitation
electronic intelligence over a wide area or of opportunities, and control of activities in
over a specific point of interest, anywhere or through space. To develop and deliver
on the planet. ISR, which includes signals related space capabilities, generate an
characterisation and spectral data, can expert and experienced workforce, and
be used for environmental monitoring, operate seamlessly across Defence,
border monitoring, maritime surveillance, government, industry and with our allies
disaster relief and civil contingency planning. and partners, we will invest over £135M in
We will invest over £970M in additional additional funding over the next 10 years,
funding over the next 10 years to develop in order to:
a complementary range of cutting-edge
technologies to generate a flexible, resilient 1) Build on the establishment of UK Space
suite of on-orbit sensors, extending Command and support its development into
the digital backbone into space and a coherent Joint command.
Synthetic Aperture Radar constellations, all ) Continue to enhance the UK SpOC,
2
underpinned by a novel and secure ground in partnership with the UKSA, to support
architecture. We will deliver a combined the government ambition of creating a
series of on-orbit and ground-based sophisticated combined military, civilian and
demonstrators over the next four years that National Space Operations Centre.
provide the foundation for a space-based
|3) Conduct an extensive Training Needs
ISR constellation. We will deliver the optimal
Analysis to determine how to best to grow
cost-effective multi-sensor ISR capability
our expertise and ensure we remain at the
through coherent delivery of a number of
forefront of Defence space endeavours
operational concept demonstrators that
in the years to come. The Training Needs
prove and de-risk technologies for Defence
Analysis will explore requirements for future
use. This will include integration with Five
training provision, including the scope and
Eyes partners to demonstrate an integrated
nature of any Space Academy.
system by 2025, as well as delivery of
satellites with advanced sensor capabilities,
achieving an Initial Operating Capability in
23. Primarily the Earth Observing System (EOS)

Data and Information System (EOSDIS), operated
by NASA.

e. Space Control. To protect and defend therefore continue to support an extensive

our interests within the space domain, cross-government ‘system of systems’
deter hostile acts and ensure our space approach to develop secure and resilient
capabilities have adequate resilience to PNT to meet wider societal requirements in
disruption from adversarial activity, we will line with the stated IR intent to “strengthen
invest over £145M in additional funding the resilience of the PNT services on which
over the next 10 years. We will investigate our critical national infrastructure and
mechanisms to deliver carefully calibrated economy depend.”
effects to assure our access to, and g. Launch. We maintain a requirement for
operational independence in, space. assured access to commercially developed
f . Position, Navigation and Timing launch capabilities. Though we will not
(PNT). PNT signals underpin almost every develop our own independent launch
military activity, delivering critical Defence systems, we will continue to support the
capabilities, including precise navigation UKSA in the advancement of UK-based
and targeting across the globe. However, space launch activities, both vertical and
PNT systems are inherently vulnerable horizontal, and work closely with our allies
to interference and nefarious activity. We and partners to assure appropriate and
timely access to space.
Space-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) – Oberon24
24. Source: Dstl.

7. Governance
Hierarchy
National
National Space Strategy Space
Council
Space policy, Defence Other

MOD Space BEIS Space
Space Strategy & cross- Directorate
Government
Directorate
domain integration Departments
Capability management, UK
UK Space Air UK Space
force generation, force Command
Strategic
Command Agency
training & space operations Command
Note: Lines denote governance relationships, not command structure.
Figure 3 – UK strategic space hierarchy and core outputs.
7.1. As set out in the National Space space domain and has approved the
Strategy, we will work to ensure that there UK’s first National Space Strategy. The
is a clear cross-government approach to resulting UK space policies are cohered
national space policy, governance and collaboratively by Space Directorates within
delivery. Figure 3 reflects the UK strategic both the MOD and BEIS.
structure in relation to the National Space
Council and other government departments,
as well as its core outputs. The National 25. The Terms of Reference of the National Space
Space Council,25 a Cabinet Committee Council are to consider issues concerning
prosperity, diplomacy and national security in,
chaired by the Prime Minister, sets direction
through and from space, as part of coordinating
for cross-government activity within the overall Government policy.

RAF Fylingdales Night Sky, North Yorkshire26
26. Source: Dstl.

7.2. Defence space responsibilities have 7.4. To ensure that we integrate effectively,
been aligned with the Defence Operating we will work closely with other government
Model27. The Direct activity is the partners to meet the government’s ambition
responsibility of MOD Head Office, with and priorities. In particular, we will work
the Space Directorate, under leadership of directly with BEIS and the UKSA to deliver
the 2-star Director Space, cohering MOD the national ambition, fusing civil and military
Defence space governance, policy, strategy requirements where we can, to exploit one
planning and international engagement capability for many uses.
in support of the National Space Council.
Defence space Generate28 and Operate29
activities are the responsibility of the 2-star
Commander of UK Space Command, who
is also responsible for space-based
capability development and delivery. UK
Strategic Command will remain the capability
sponsor for SATCOM, PNT and ISR, with Air
Command the capability sponsor for Protect
and Defend capabilities.
7.3. To provide oversight and coordination
of the totality of Defence’s space business,
at least until Space Command’s capability
management processes are fully established,
we have developed a governance model
that seeks to provide assurance, protect UK
Strategic Command equities and mitigate
the risk of incoherence in Defence. The MOD
Space Directorate will be held to account
by a 4-Star level Defence Space Executive
Board, which will set the strategic direction
and provide oversight, alignment and
prioritisation below the Ministerial threshold.
In turn, we will be held to account by the
Defence Programme Assurance Group,
chaired by the National Security Advisor.
A 2-Star level Space Alignment Group has
also been established to provide a forum for
coordination and alignment.
27. There are 7 core Defence activities: Policy, Strategy, 28. The generation of Military Capability from currently
Planning, Governance, Enable, Generate and available assets and the delivery of projects and
Operate. Of these, Policy, Strategy, Planning and other activity to create future Military Capability.
Governance are collectively referred to as the 29. The day-to-day business of space operations.
Direct activity.

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Defence Space Strategy:

MOD5988 252415_MOD Space defence strategy A4_v4 AW ALT.indd 1 20/09/2021 17:32

This publication is UK Ministry of Defence Where we have identified any third-party

If contacting Defence Intellectual Property Any enquiries regarding this publication

© Crown copyright 2021

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MOD5988 252415_MOD Space defence strategy A4_v4 AW ALT.indd 4 20/09/2021 17:32

“We will make the UK a This Defence Space Strategy directly

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MOD5988 252415_MOD Space defence strategy A4_v4 AW ALT.indd 6 20/09/2021 17:32

UK Space Command will lead our such as Synthetic Aperture Radar

4 . Integrated Review, Section IV Strategic

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Space-based SAR – NovaSAR5

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Space – An Operational re-usable capabilities and emerging life

6. Joint Doctrine Publication 0–30: UK Air and Space 7. A

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1.4. Defence investment through a blend Threats and Hazards

Laser Cyber Ground Site Direct

Temporary Denial Permanent Kill

Electronic Satellite C2 DEW Orbital Exo-atmospheric

Figure 1: The Counterspace Continuum

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Examples of International Threats – Russia

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Examples of International Threats – China

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15. Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, dated

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Laser Communications – Titania16

16. Source: Dstl.

MOD5988 252415_MOD Space defence strategy A4_v4 AW ALT.indd 15 20/09/2021 17:32

Construct international partners and the commercial,

Strategic Theme 1 Strategic Theme 2 Strategic Theme 3

Figure 2 – The Defence Space Strategy Construct

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Cross-Cutting Principles ensure that the space agenda is coordinated

17. Including the NATO Bi-Strategic Command Space

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Develop Space Respond to hostile

3.1. In response to our adversaries’ 3.3. As in other domains, we must first

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The UK Space Operations Centre (SpOC)

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Dstl Hermes Ground Station, Portsdown West, Hampshire20

20. Source: Defence Images.

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Integrate Space into Deliver resilient Space Enhance Multi-

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Novel Sensors and ISR Satellites

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21. Source: Defence Images.

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Produce coherent Develop a skilled and Recruit, train and

5.1. As signalled in the National Space

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4 . Integrated Review, Section IV Strategic

6. Joint Doctrine Publication 0–30: UK Air and Space 7. A

15. Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, dated

17. Including the NATO Bi-Strategic Command Space

. Intelligence, Surveillance and

23. Primarily the Earth Observing System (EOS)