Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • UK Space Command officially launched

Defence Space

UK Space Command officially launched

A special ceremony was held at Space Command Headquarters, RAF High Wycombe last Thursday, to mark the official opening of UK Space Command, with the first ‘Space Operator’ Badges presented to personnel.

Above: Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin and Military Chiefs at the new UK Space Command.
Courtesy MoD

Space plays a vital role in the Armed Forces ability to undertake the majority of defence tasks, with any disruption to the space domain leading to significant consequences on civilian, commercial, economic and military activity. The UK Space Command is a Joint Command staffed from the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force and the Civil Service. It officially formed on 1st April 2021.

Advertisement
Farsound RT 2

The stand-up of Space Command is a crucial step to ensure we protect UK interests in space and builds on the commitments outlined in the Defence Command Paper, to invest an additional £1.4 billion on space over the next 10 years. The ability to operate in Space is further enhanced by an increase in Defence funding of £24 billion over the next four years, as announced by the Prime Minister last year.

Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin said: "As our adversaries advance their space capabilities, it is vital we invest in space to ensure we maintain a battle-winning advantage across this fast-evolving operational domain.

"The stand-up of Space Command is an exciting and important step in our commitment to operate in space effectively."

Under the leadership of Air Vice Marshal Paul Godfrey, the Joint Command will have oversight of all space capability development in the Ministry of Defence across three main areas; Space operations; Space workforce training and growth; and Space capability to develop and deliver space equipment programmes.

When at full operating capability, UK Space Command will provide command and control of all of Defence’s space capabilities, including the UK’s Space Operations Centre, RAF Fylingdales, SKYNET and other enabling capabilities.

After the newly refurbished headquarters were officially opened, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, presented the first eight personnel with the new ‘Space Operator’ badges, which signify the excellence of space professionals across defence.

Advertisement
Advanced Engineering RT

Six members of the Royal Air Force received the badge, as well as a British Army officer and an exchange officer from the United States. The design is based upon the Airborne Specialist badge and features a single silver angled wing and a blue laurel surrounding a delta, an orbit ellipse and a constellation of stars representative of Aries, as UK Space Command was formed on 1 April which equates to Aries in the celestial calendar.

Commander of UK Space Command Air Vice Marshal Paul Godfrey said: "The space domain is vital, not just in enabling military operations across the world, but in the day to day lives of everyone across the nation.

"With our new headquarters officially open, UK Space Command is now on the path to lead UK space operations to protect UK and allied interests in space."

UK Space Command will work with UK Strategic Command and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory drawing on key expertise from across Defence to ensure multi domain integration across environments.

UK Space Command carries the UK’s commitment in the Combined Space Operations initiative, which comprises of seven nations: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, UK and the US. The initiative seeks to improve cooperation, coordination and interoperability opportunities in space, with main efforts focussed on ensuring a safe, secure and stable space domain.

 

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation LB 1
NATO DIANA expands network

Defence

NATO DIANA expands network

18 March 2024

NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is significantly expanding its transatlantic network of accelerator sites and test centres - doubling in size to more than 200 affiliated sites - which includes five additional UK test centres.

DE&S partners with McLaren Racing to drive innovation

Defence

DE&S partners with McLaren Racing to drive innovation

18 March 2024

DE&S’ Future Capability Innovation team will collaborate with McLaren Racing to apply motorsport innovation, insights and a high-performance mindset into projects across DE&S and the wider MoD.

DE&S procures 14 extended-range Chinooks

Defence

DE&S procures 14 extended-range Chinooks

18 March 2024

The UK’s heavy-lift helicopter capability will be bolstered by the purchase by DE&S of 14 extended-range Chinooks H-47(ER), which will pump an estimated £151 million into the economy.

BAE Systems to continue US Navy MDC5ISR support

Defence

BAE Systems to continue US Navy MDC5ISR support

18 March 2024

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a contract worth approximately $86 million to continue supporting its Mobile Deployable Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (MDC5ISR) programmes.

Advertisement
Farsound RT Brain
Rolls-Royce to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow

Defence

Rolls-Royce to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow

14 March 2024

Rolls-Royce Submarines have announced plans to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow to attract the best talent and meet growth in demand from the Royal Navy and the recent AUKUS announcement.

ODU to showcase AMC range at DPRTE 2024

Defence Events

ODU to showcase AMC range at DPRTE 2024

14 March 2024

ODU will be showcasing their latest military connector technology solutions at DPRTE - being held 27th March 2024 at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre - including their Advanced Military Connector (AMC) range.

Advertisement
ODU RT 2