To make space safe, secure and sustainable for all generations.
The security of space is critical to our everyday lives, from communications, to transport, to agriculture.
The space domain is rapidly changing as more countries and private companies have a presence in orbit and beyond. The UK already has over 90 registered objects in space, and this will continue to grow.
A strong UK space capability is also critical to the UK’s defence and military operations from the air, land, sea, and cyberspace.
We need that capability for communications, gathering intelligence, reconnaissance, precision navigation, and targeting.
UK SPACE COMMAND WAS FORMED ON 1 APRIL 2021
The establishment of UK Space Command is a crucial step in the development of a strategy to operate in space and protect UK interests.
UK Space Command is a joint command staffed by the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, civil servants, and commercial partners.
UK Space Command has been initially located at RAF High Wycombe, alongside RAF Air Command.
WE ALL DEPEND ON SPACE, IN OUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES
Disruption to the UK’s use of space, or the use of space by the UK’s allies, could significantly affect civilian, commercial, and defence activity.
UK Space Command personnel monitor space 24/7, 365 days a year, to protect the UK’s interests in space.
I have seen first-hand how critical the Space domain is and how it underpins not only military operations, but broader every day activities. As it becomes ever more congested and contested, it is critical that the UK is integrated in its approach to space and the formation of this command will provide a key focal point for this complex operating environment.
UK Space Command brings together three functions under a single military commander, Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey.
SPACE OPERATIONS
Protect and defend UK and allied interests in space, and control all the UK’s defence space capabilities, including the UK Space Operations Centre and RAF Fylingdales
SPACE WORKFORCE
Recruit, train, and develop defence personnel to work in the space domain
SPACE CAPABILITY
Develop and deliver space equipment programmes that integrate with other defence capabilities
RAF Fylingdales in North Yorkshire, which falls under UK Space Command, provides a continuous ballistic missile early warning service to the UK and US Governments.
As a key part of the Allied Space Surveillance Network, the unit monitors objects when re-entering the atmosphere and supports the US missile defence system.
The Solid-State Phased Array Radar at RAF Fylingdales is a joint enterprise between the United States and the United Kingdom. It’s the only 3-faced RADAR providing 360° coverage within the space surveillance network and can detect objects the size of a coke can 3000 miles into space.
"This Government's determination to establish UK Space Command is a huge step forward because space is fundamental to our national security and to our way of life. UK Space Command will protect and promote the United Kingdom's interests in space, working with like-minded allies around the world for the benefit of all."
The inaugural commander of UK Space Command is Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey
Paul Godfrey joined the RAF in 1991 and has been a fighter pilot most of his career. A former Station Commander at RAF Lossiemouth, most recently he was responsible for the planning and employment of coalition air and space power across the Middle East within the US Air Force Combined Air and Space Operations Centre.
Read more about Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey’s appointment
UK Space Command continues the UK’s commitment to the Combined Space Operations initiative with Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, and the US, to ensure a safe, secure and stable space domain.
UK Space Command also controls the UK’s participation in the US-led space coalition under Operation Olympic Defender, a multinational coalition formed to deter hostile actors in space and reduce the spread of debris in orbit. It also supports the growth of the NATO space enterprise.
We are constantly recruiting, training, and developing individuals to work in the space domain.
Air and Space Operations Specialist (Flight Operations)
Air Operations (Systems) Officer
Cyberspace Communication Specialist
Engineering Officer (Communications Electronics)
Intelligence Officer
Intelligence Analyst
UK Space Command is a joint command with personnel from across the UK Armed Forces. If you are interested in careers in the space domain with the Royal Navy or the British Army, please visit Royal Navy jobs or British Army jobs.
