Spaceflux to help protect UK space assets

The UK company has been awarded contracts – the commercial terms of which aren’t revealed – to provide tracking data about satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) and to build a new, national, ground-based “Space Domain Awareness” system in Cyprus.

The satellite tracking data will be acquired using Spaceflux’s global optical sensor network involving ten locations across five continents. It will be used by the UKSA and Space Command to monitor various satellites in geostationary orbit and to generally protect UK space assets from collisions and any “adversarial actions”.

SDA sensor

Under the terms of the agreement, the company will build, maintain, and operate the commissioned system under guidance from (UKSA and UK Space Command) analysts at the UK Space Operations Centre at RAF High Wycombe.

“Building and operating this new sensor in Cyprus will enhance our ability to track objects, avoid collisions and protect the satellites we depend on for daily life,” said Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency.

“The procurement marks a significant development for both the UK Space Agency and UK Space Command – by working together, we are developing the capabilities the country needs and delivering maximum value to the UK taxpayer.”

Why in Cyprus? The location and elevation of the site in Cyprus provides a better view of the geostationary orbit than sites on the UK mainland states the UKSA. According to the announcement:

“The sensor, which is a part of Project Nyx Alpha, will monitor objects in GEO, approximately 36,000km above Earth’s equator, with its primary mission being the provision of information on UK satellites, helping to prevent collisions and protect critical space assets. The system has also been designed to allow for the sharing of data with partner organisations and international allies, improving the UK’s contribution to strategic space relationships, and increasing opportunities for collaboration in the space domain.”

Spaceflux

Spaceflux is UK company, based in London, and it specialises in Space Situational Awareness services, using a global network of optical sensors, tracking satellites and space debris (from LEO to GEO to Cislunar). Using AI-driven analytics, it provides on-demand access to tracking telescopes around the world.

“As a company based in London, we’re thrilled and deeply proud to support UKSA and UK Space Command in enhancing this sovereign capability, contributing to the safety of our national space ecosystem, and promoting a secure and sustainable space environment,” said Dr Marco Rocchetto, Founder and CEO of Spaceflux. ”

“These contracts will not only allow us to further advance our technologies, but also contribute to the growth of the national space ecosystem.”

You can read more about the company, which was setup in 2022, here.

Image: Spaceflux 

See also: UK Space Agency allocates £50m for satellite comms projects