Satellite communications, space surveillance funded in new UK space strategy
NewsSeptember 08, 2026
LONDON, United Kingdom. The UK government has launched a space strategy backed by £7.8 billion through 2030 that includes funding for satellite communications, space-domain awareness, and military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, the government announced in a statement.
The strategy includes £149 million for the European Space Agency’s Vigil mission and £85 million for the National Space Operations Centre to support monitoring of satellites, rockets, and orbital debris. The government says the capabilities are intended to provide warnings of satellite collisions, hostile activity, and solar storms. Another £880 million is designated for space control and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technologies.
A further £2.8 billion will support connectivity efforts including the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit and SKYNET defense communications programs, the statement reads. The strategy also allocates £40 million for in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing technologies intended to support satellite repair, maintenance, and debris-removal operations.
