The UK's New Space Strategy Focuses on "Space Control"

According to a report by Reference News Network on September 12, as reported by the Russian Satellite News Agency on September 8, the UK Department for Business and Trade announced on the 8th the release of a new national space strategy, planning to invest a record $10.6 billion by 2030, with more than a third of the funding allocated for the development of armed forces.

The report indicates that nearly $4 billion will be used to strengthen the communication systems of the UK armed forces, including the development of the "Skynet" military satellite program.

It is reported that about $1.2 billion will be allocated for the development of the UK's space situational awareness and intelligence capabilities. Additionally, approximately $200 million will be directed towards the European rocket program, and over $40 million will be invested in the Saxa Vord spaceport in the Shetland Islands.

According to the U.S. Defense News website on September 8, the UK released a national space strategy for 2027 to 2035 centered on "defense, national security, and economic growth," accompanied by a cross-departmental spending plan totaling over $10.6 billion by 2030.

This new strategy prioritizes the "accelerated development" of four key space "subfields": satellite communications, space domain awareness, access to space, and on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM).

The strategy and its accompanying technical annex emphasize several major areas of effort, including independent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, "autonomous and resilient" positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) infrastructure, and "new space technologies."

It is particularly noteworthy that this strategy reinforces the UK government's commitment to support the Ministry of Defence in achieving "space control," echoing U.S. space policy and strategy.

The document states: "The UK will urgently develop a comprehensive whole-of-government approach to achieve our space control requirements using all orbital domains and military, diplomatic, regulatory, and legal means to deter threats and protect the interests of the UK and its allies."

This strategic document commits that by 2035, the UK will possess "secure, reliable, UK-owned and operated ISR capabilities that can operate independently at the national level, prioritizing technology, missions, and infrastructure, while building strong international relationships to enhance national security and economic growth by improving the UK's ability to monitor security risks." (Translated by Wang Haifang)