06 August 2021

UK officially launches Space Command

by Gareth Jennings

The UK officially launched its new Space Command on 30 July, four months after the organisation was formally stood-up on 1 April.

Reflecting the growing importance of the space domain to the UK, as illustrated here with a rendering of the Airbus Skynet satellite communications system, the UK launched its new Space Command on 30 July. (Airbus)

The milestone was marked by a ceremony at the site of the new command at Royal Air Force (RAF) High Wycombe – also home to the National Air and Space Operations Centre (NASOC) – which was attended by senior government and military officials.

“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,” Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin said. “When at full operating capability, UK Space Command will provide command-and-control of all of [the Ministry of Defence's] space capabilities, including the UK's Space Operations Centre, RAF Fylingdales, Skynet, and other enabling capabilities.”

First announced in November 2020, the Space Command will lead on UK space operations, space workforce generation in terms of training and growth, and space capability in delivering space equipment programmes. As laid down by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the command's official mission is “to protect and defend the UK and allies' interest in, from and to space, delivering decisive space power, enabling operational independence, and contributing to global security”.

In terms of its structure and how it fits in with the wider UK defence establishment, the MoD previously told Janes that this new Space Command is a joint unit under RAF leadership. Air Vice Marshal Paul Godfrey has been appointed as its first commander.

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