Realising the Ambitions of the UK’s Defence Space Strategy
This research paper aims to analyse strategic, policy and capability choices facing the implementation of the new Defence Space Strategy.
Documents
Details
Realising the Ambitions of the UK’s Defence Space Strategy: Factors Shaping Implementation to 2030 is a final report for a study commissioned by the Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre (DCDC) in the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) on behalf of the MOD Space Directorate.
Its purpose is to analyse strategic, policy and capability choices facing the implementation of the new Defence Space Strategy. The study was conducted between January and May 2021.
This report captures key findings related to all research objectives and is accompanied by a visual decision tool that presents a high-level approach to decision making in relation to the ‘own-collaborate-access’ framework, articulating potential options and the trade-offs related to them.
Who should read this publication
This report is intended primarily for the UK MOD and other UK Government audiences, as well as others interested in the space domain.
This report will be of interest to strategy, policy and capability decision makers within Defence as well as wider cross-government stakeholders involved in delivering the overarching National Space Strategy, most notably the UK Space Agency (UKSA) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Background
The Defence Space Strategy (DSS) was published on 1 February 2022. It sets out the UK Government’s ambition to be a meaningful actor in space and details how we will operationalise this key domain, working closely with allies and partners to keep space safe, secure and sustainable.
The DSS announces an investment of an extra £1.4 billion on space, in addition to the £5 billion already committed to the next generation of Skynet military satellite communications – this represents a significant increase in Government funding for the UK space sector.
This investment will play a part in stimulating innovation, commercialisation, and growth across the wider sector. Defence will utilise elements of the Defence Space Portfolio funding to further support Space S&T (which includes R&D), alongside existing funding.