Via Satellite archive photo

In a panel titled ‘Securing Space Assets and Strategic Stability’ at Space-Comm in London speakers from both a government and industry perspective talked about the security of space assets in a more fragmented and geopolitical world. The panel was done under Chatham House rules, which means we can’t name the speakers and what they said but can share some of the broad trends.

Interestingly, there was a consensus that we are in a place where space is a domain that is all about national security and defense competition. There was strong emphasis on the importance of protecting and defending the U.K.’s national interests in space. One of the speakers spoke about how space should not be considered any different to any other domain. We now live in a world where satellite jamming is a way of life, and anti-satellite missiles are being launched, so space should be considered similar to the land domain, for example.

One of themes, and it is a common theme of space events worldwide, is government forming better relationships with the commercial space industry. There was talk of the U.K. government doing a better job of embracing private equity and venture capital, as well as new technologies such as edge computing. While there are a number of bureaucratic challenges this is key if the U.K wants better outcomes and more control in space.

During this panel, speakers spoke of a need for a “cultural transformation” and a need for industry to better adapt and work with the government. One speaker was really positive about this and said the dynamics had changed significantly over the last two years.

The term ‘outcomes’ was mentioned a lot by speakers, and having clear objectives on what the U.K. was looking to achieve in space. It seems as space becomes more geopolitical and fragmented, having a laser-like focus on objectives and outcomes will be key to success going forward. As the nature of the threats change, this flexibility and adaptability will be key.

The good news is that all players, whether government or industry, understand there is a sense of urgency now. All spoke about how the relationships are getting stronger. Assured access to data is a huge issue. The U.K. government is clearly being stronger in its messaging and this is benefiting industry.

What came out of the panel was the sense while progress has been made, there is still further to go. The U.K. has worked hard to be a key player on the global stage, but clearly recognizes the importance of having better control in space and needing to take its relationships with industry to the next level. The war in Ukraine has upended the norms of conflict, as well as showing the impact of space assets. A cultural shift is taking place, and this will need to be successful if the U.K. is to punch above its weight in the space domain.