Spaceflux: Safeguarding UK’s Space Assets

UK Space Agency and UK Space Command Partner with SpaceFlux to Protect National Space Assets

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) and UK Space Command have announced a partnership with SpaceFlux at the recent UK Space Conference in Belfast. The collaboration aims to enhance the safety and protection of national space assets.

SpaceFlux, a UK-based company, has been awarded contracts to provide tracking data about satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) and to build a new ground-based "Space Domain Awareness" system in Cyprus. The commercial terms of the contracts have not been disclosed.

The satellite tracking data will be acquired using SpaceFlux's global optical sensor network, which spans ten locations across five continents. This data will be utilized by the UKSA and Space Command to monitor satellites in geostationary orbit and safeguard UK space assets from potential collisions and adversarial actions.

Under the agreement, SpaceFlux will be responsible for building, maintaining, and operating the commissioned system. The UK Space Operations Centre at RAF High Wycombe will provide guidance to analysts from UKSA and UK Space Command.

"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, as we work together to develop the capabilities our country needs and deliver maximum value to the UK taxpayer."

Why Cyprus?

The UKSA states that the location and elevation of the site in Cyprus offer a better view of the geostationary orbit compared to sites on the UK mainland. The new sensor, part of Project Nyx Alpha, will monitor objects in GEO, approximately 36,000km above Earth's equator. Its primary mission is to provide information on UK satellites, prevent collisions, and protect critical space assets. The system is also designed to facilitate data sharing with partner organizations and international allies, enhancing the UK's contribution to strategic space relationships and fostering collaboration in the space domain.

SpaceFlux, headquartered in London, specializes in Space Situational Awareness services. The company utilizes a global network of optical sensors to track satellites and space debris across various orbits, from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to Geostationary Orbit (GEO) to Cislunar. With the help of AI-driven analytics, SpaceFlux provides on-demand access to tracking telescopes worldwide.

"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."

SpaceFlux was established in 2022 and has quickly become a key player in the field of Space Situational Awareness. For more information about the company, visit their website.

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