The Imperative of Space Security: Insights from the UK MoD’s Defence Space Conference

As modern society becomes increasingly reliant on space-based critical infrastructure, the need to protect, defend, and even engage in conflict within this domain has never been more pressing. This was the central theme at the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Space Conference, held on September 24-25 at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in London. The event brought together a diverse audience of military personnel, industry leaders, and academics to discuss the evolving landscape of space security.

A Gathering of Minds

The two-day conference, organized by the Air & Space Power Association, featured a wide range of topics, including dual-use technology, international partnerships, space superiority, and the burgeoning space workforce. Notable speakers included ministers, industry executives, civil servants, and senior military officers, including the heads of space commands from Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, the US, and the UK. This diverse representation underscored the global nature of the challenges and opportunities in the space domain.

Keynote Address: A Call for Collaboration

The conference kicked off with a keynote speech from UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard, who described himself as a “self-confessed space geek.” Pollard emphasized the importance of collaboration, urging delegates to “put rocket boosters on our collaboration” and contribute to the UK’s upcoming Strategic Defence Review. He articulated a shift in mindset from “multi-domain integration” to “all-domain warfare,” highlighting the omnipresence of space in national security considerations.

The Fragility of Space Infrastructure

While the conference celebrated the advancements in space technology, it also highlighted the vulnerabilities of this critical infrastructure. Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, pointed out that by 2035, the global space economy is expected to triple, yet this growth comes with significant risks. The threat of space debris and hostile actions from adversary nations necessitates closer cooperation between military and civil satellite users. A prime example of this collaboration is the UK’s newly established National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC), which has already identified over 8,300 potential hazardous conjunctions in orbit since its launch in May.

Rising Threats from Adversaries

The conference also addressed the alarming developments in military space capabilities among adversary nations. Commander of US Space Command, General Stephen N. Whiting, condemned reports of Russia’s plans to breach the 1967 Outer Space Act by placing nuclear weapons in orbit, labeling it “wanton irresponsibility.” He further warned of China’s rapid advancements in military space capabilities, stating that the People’s Republic of China is “fielding capabilities at breathtaking speed.” This sentiment was echoed by RAF Chief of the Air Staff, ACM Sir Richard Knighton, who revealed that a Chinese satellite had recently come alarmingly close to a UK military communications satellite.

The Need for Leadership in UK Space Strategy

Despite the UK’s growing space sector, the conference revealed a significant concern regarding the lack of centralized leadership. Several industry representatives lamented the absence of a “Team Captain” to guide and unify the British space effort. The UK’s National Space Strategy, published three years ago, was criticized for failing to deliver the promised direction and focus. The fragmentation of the UK space ecosystem was evident in a session titled “One Government, One Space,” which featured representatives from six different government departments, each with “space” in their title.

Fragmentation and Funding Challenges

The fragmented approach has led to confusion and duplication of efforts, with the UK’s limited space budget being divided into small allocations for numerous R&D projects. This has hindered many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from scaling up to production or operational capabilities. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) faced criticism for its slow regulatory processes, with only one launch license issued three years into a new regime. Additionally, the reliance on foreign students in UK universities was highlighted as a barrier to aligning academic research with defense needs.

The Launch of Tyche: A New Era for UK Space Capabilities

The conference coincided with the launch of the UK’s first fully owned imaging spy satellite, Tyche, on August 16. Built by Surrey Satellites, Tyche serves as an operational technology demonstrator for UK sovereign military space capabilities. This satellite is part of a planned constellation that will enhance the UK’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Group Captain Ben Sharp, Director of Space ISR at UK Space Command, explained that this mini-constellation would allow for innovative operations, enabling the UK to control its own data and intelligence without relying on foreign sources.

Preparing for Conflict in Space

General Whiting’s presentation outlined the evolving nature of warfare in space, emphasizing the need for resilience and the ability to withstand a first strike. He articulated five “Elements of Victory” that the US military is developing for future conflicts in orbit, including the importance of deterrence and maintaining space superiority. He also highlighted the US commitment to defending not only its own satellites but also those of allied nations and commercial partners.

The Future of Space Control

The conference featured discussions on the potential for space to become a battlefield, with speakers advocating for a more proactive approach to space control. Tim Marshall, a journalist and author, suggested that the military should leverage public interest in space to raise awareness about its critical importance. The idea of arming satellites with directed energy weapons was also proposed, reflecting a shift towards a more aggressive stance in space operations.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

The Defence Space Conference underscored the growing importance of space as a domain of warfare, while also revealing significant gaps and challenges in the UK’s approach to space security. As the UK navigates an increasingly complex landscape of threats and opportunities, the call for a centralized leadership structure, such as a national space council or a dedicated space minister, has never been more urgent.

With the launch of Tyche marking a pivotal moment for UK Space Command, the question remains: can the UK afford to be without a team captain any longer? As the reliance on space-based infrastructure continues to grow, the need for a cohesive strategy and robust defense capabilities in this domain is paramount. The future of space security will depend on the UK’s ability to adapt, collaborate, and innovate in the face of evolving challenges.

Author: Tim Robinson FRAeS
Date: 22 October 2024