Space-based equipment is essential to national security. Satellite communications are vital to the full spectrum of military missions from controlling nuclear retaliatory forces, through expeditionary warfare and peacekeeping missions to humanitarian and civilian aid work. Satellite observation is crucial to reconnaissance, surveillance and monitoring with data underpinning military, diplomatic and homeland security actions.

The global nature of terrorism and serious international crime requires security agencies to coordinate their activities and share information to an extent unthinkable a decade ago. This need for greater interoperability has placed a huge burden on the existing communication and data transfer infrastructure. A physical presence of UK personnel may often be necessary in remote locations where only secure satellite communications systems can be used to communicate back to home base.

Through its family of Skynet satellites, the UK has been a pioneer in the use of military comsats supporting national and allied military missions. Milcomsats and other space-based assets will be at the heart of the network enabled capability (NEC) which is the basis of MoD strategic thinking. This approach requires rapid access to intelligence by the appropriate stakeholders to develop a Common Operational Picture and improve overall situational awareness. The use of satellites is frequently the only method to provide timely information to decision makers.

But the importance of space-based equipment extends beyond the MoD. The need for information from space based communications, navigation and surveillance assets will derive from departments including the Cabinet Office, DEFRA, FCO DfID, DfT, the Home Office and a broad range of agencies such as Maritime Coastguard Agency and the Environment Agency.

The use of satellites in a maritime environment is especially important for the UK with the International Maritime Organisation based in London. An efficient and safe maritime industry relies heavily on a ubiquitous satellite infrastructure such as that operated by Inmarsat. With the increase in world trade, larger volumes of goods are being shipped by sea than ever before. High value goods provide a target for international piracy, which often operates hand in hand with international terrorism and serious organised crime including people smuggling.

Space based capabilities also play an underpinning role in supporting the Government’s international policy and treaty commitments. Previous UK investment in space programmes has enabled the Government to maintain a presence in and influence activities of European, US and international organisations related to multinational security programmes as well as contributing to international policies and treaties via bodies such as the United Nations, NATO and the European Defence Agency.

The FCO’s telecommunications network (FTN) uses satcoms to support overseas communications. The FTN currently provides secure voice and data communications to over 230 sites worldwide including embassies, high commissions and organisations such as the EU and NATO.

An expanded space-based security system, primarily though not exclusively part of an international network, will be crucial in counter-terrorism, combating organised crime and people traffi cking. Space based systems are not only central to these functions, but they can also reduce the economic cost of counter-measures.

Space is helping to address the ongoing threats of international terrorism and global conflict

The asymmetric nature of contemporary security threats means all countries are potential targets and sources of terrorism. Surveillance must therefore be available on a global basis. Earth observation also has an important role to play in understanding environmental pressures on society and planning for the consequences. At present the UK makes decisions based on foreign owned space surveillance assets.

The ability of the space industry to support the projection of UK international policy is largely predicated on the UK retaining an independent space capability with on-shore research and industrial knowledge and skills. UK expertise in optical and radar observation, combined with low cost smallsats, are increasingly providing utility in surveillance applications.

An independent UK space capability ensures:
• National control of space assets enabling greater fl exibility in both policy
   and actions.
• The freedom to exploit intellectual property and develop spin off from the
   space sector without restrictions being imposed by international partners.
• Benefi ts for UK industry and research, enabling dual technology exploitation
   and reducing generally the overheads associated with developing platforms
   and payloads.

This is consistent with the concept of Operational Sovereignty announced in the recent Defence Industrial Strategy.