Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • SSTL's Juno satellite procured by DE&S for advanced military tech

Defence Space

SSTL's Juno satellite procured by DE&S for advanced military tech

UK Armed Forces personnel are to have access to the latest space technology for military operations, following a contract procured by Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S) for a new satellite from Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL).

Image courtesy DE&S / SSTL

The £40 million project with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) 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.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT

Both satellites form part of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance programme, which will deliver a constellation of satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle 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.”

Juno and Tyche satellites will support military operations, for instance by monitoring adversary activities and 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.

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.”

The contract for Juno was awarded via competitive procurement to SSTL, the same company that manufactured Tyche.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

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.”

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.

“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.”

Advertisement
PTC PTC
BAE Systems launch new returners programme

Defence

BAE Systems launch new returners programme

30 June 2025

For the past seven years, BAE Systems and STEM Returners have been working together to help engineers across the UK return to work after a career break and today the partnership has announced a new programme at BAE Maritime and Land Defence Solutions in Portsmouth and the Radar Integration Test Facility in Cowes, which will include 10 positions and see the ...

SSRO reviews single source defence contracts

Defence

SSRO reviews single source defence contracts' profit rate calculations

30 June 2025

The Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) are consulting on updates to the way that profit rates for defence-related single source contracts are calculated.

DXC opens Farnborough office

Defence

DXC opens Farnborough office

30 June 2025

DXC Technology has opened an office in Farnborough, that is to be home to DXC's dedicated Aerospace and Defence Hub.

Syensqo and Terma strengthen partnership

Aerospace Defence Security

Syensqo and Terma strengthen partnership

30 June 2025

Advanced materials specialist Syensqo and Terma, provider of mission-critical solutions in aerospace, defence and security, have signed a strategic collaboration agreement to develop joint initiatives in composites for next-generation aerospace and defence applications.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Babcock reveals regional regeneration plans

Defence

Babcock reveals regional regeneration plans

30 June 2025

Babcock has announced transformative plans to locate more than 2,000 of its workforce from its Devonport Royal Dockyard facility, to the heart of Plymouth City Centre, as part of a trailblazing approach to support regional regeneration across the UK.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng appointed Chief of the Defence Staff

Defence

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng appointed Chief of the Defence Staff

27 June 2025

His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng to take over from Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KCB ADC as the next Chief of the Defence Staff, with effect from September 2025.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025