Is The DSS The Launchpad The UK Needs?

The government’s first full Defence Space Strategy (DSS) promises to be the UK’s launch pad in terms of domestic know-how and new satellite capabilities in an increasingly critical military domain. 

Despite the fact that space technology plays a critical role in various parts of life in Britain, the UK has long lagged behind superpowers such as China and the United States. 

The DSS has been designed to change that, with an intention of spending £1.4 billion over the next ten years, helping the UK to become a meaningful actor in space, working with allies to keep space sustainable, secure, and safe.

The UK’s next generation of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance

The standout element of the Defence Space Strategy is £970 million being invested into the ISTARI programme for the purpose of developing the next generation of ISR satellite capabilities in the country. 

The government has also since confirmed that the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is going to have a considerable role. The SAR generates three-dimensional reconstructions of landscapes and objects, ensuring there are finer images for tactical utilisation. 

Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, said the following:

“The importance of space to Defence is irrefutable. It affords us operational advantage against potential adversaries and, as a nation, we depend on it for resilience and our way of life. The recent publication of the UK’s first integrated National Space Strategy and this Defence Space Strategy reflects our commitment to ensuring the UK maintains freedom of action in this critical domain and can protect and defend the UK’s interests at home and overseas.

He added:

“This is a pivotal moment for Defence as it seeks to operationalise the space domain at pace. This strategy sets out how Defence will support national efforts to become a meaningful actor in space, able to secure UK interests alongside those of our allies and partners, to preserve strategic advantage, and contribute to a safe, sustainable, secure and accessible environment, now and in the years to come.”