The U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD) plays a crucial role in space as a key enabler for defense operations, now recognized as an operational domain. Through the UK Space Command, the MOD delivers space operations, develops space capabilities, and grows the defense space workforce. It oversees programs like Skynet for satellite communications and invests in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, working with partners such as the UK Space Agency and international allies, including the US, to protect UK interests in space.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
UK Strategic Command will integrate the uncrewed systems approach of the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.
The UK Defence Drone Strategy will receive at least £4.5 billion of investment over the next decade to accelerate access to uncrewed systems for the UK Armed Forces.
The new approach will deliver uncrewed systems at pace to British Armed Forces personnel.
The U.K. Ministry of Defence awarded contracts to Lockheed Martin and Rhea Group to develop satellite control systems for the ISTARI remote-sensing constellation.
In September 2023, Spectra Group received an $8,000,000 order from the UK Ministry of Defence to equip three UK divisions with Comtech’s COMET systems.
Airbus has been awarded the Skynet Design Support Contract (SDSC) to provide Design Authority reach back for the UK’s SKYNET 5 and SKYNET 6A military satellite communications systems.
The SDSC will provide post-design services to the UK Ministry of Defence and its future service providers to support the transition from SKYNET 5 towards a MOD-owned contractor-operated system under SKYNET 6.
Oxford Space Systems is a 10-year-old venture working with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory of the U.K. Ministry of Defence to create smaller C-band terminals for lower-bandwidth applications.
The CarbSAR Demo Mission is designed to prove a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) concept with implications for near- to medium-term UK defence and ISR strategies.
David Sandy will lead Aerospace UK’s work with the UK Ministry of Defence and the UK Space Agency to support decision-making and to deliver value within the space environment.
As chief of staff for the UK Ministry of Defence Space Directorate, David Sandy was responsible for developing space policy and strategy, resource allocation, and capability development.
David Sandy will lead Aerospace UK’s work with the UK Ministry of Defence and the UK Space Agency to support decision-making and deliver value in the space domain.
Airbus selected the National Satellite Test Facility at Harwell in Oxfordshire to carry out the comprehensive test campaign for the UK Ministry of Defence’s SKYNET 6A.
SKYNET 6A is a geostationary telecommunications satellite that will provide secure communications services for the UK armed forces following its launch in 2025.
The work for the CarbSAR In Orbit Demonstration has been jointly funded by Oxford Space Systems, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, Airbus Defence and Space, the National Security Strategic Investment Fund, and the UK Ministry of Defence.
Airbus selected the National Satellite Test Facility at Harwell in Oxfordshire to carry out the comprehensive test campaign for the UK Ministry of Defence’s SKYNET 6A satellite.
Oxford Space Systems, SSTL, Airbus Defence and Space, the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), and the UK Ministry of Defence jointly funded the Wrapped Rib antenna In Orbit Demonstration work.
The Skynet contract forms part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s £6 billion Skynet 6 program.
Babcock International Group Plc has been awarded the contract to manage and operate Skynet, the UK Ministry of Defence’s military satellite communications system.
Skynet provides vital communications to the UK Armed Forces wherever they are.