GovWire

Dstls space expertise ensures the UK fully exploits the potential of space for defence and security. We research and develop the latest science and technology and give advanced space engineering to support future UK defence missions in space and the UKs Defence Space Strategy. Some of the areas were focusing on include:

• satellite communications, intelligence and surveillance from space
• monitoring and tracking objects in all orbits, to protect and defend UK interests
• a series of satellite missions to trial prototype systems and technologies for future space operations, to support the governments ambition to form a digital backbone in space

Pioneering space technology developments

We work with more than 100 businesses and organisations and 11 international partners to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of the latest space developments worldwide.

Future years will see us build upon pioneering science and technology through satellite launches, implementation of new equipment and refinement of existing tools. Were working tirelessly with a range of partners across government, the military and our suppliers to make this happen.

We work with world-leading suppliers including Oxford Space Systems, Surrey Satellite Technologies Limited, BAE, Airbus and academia to develop pioneering technologies. Recent innovations include space antenna technologies that enable theUKto deploy a number of antennae in space providing more accurate and frequent satellite images. This will allow all-weather Earth observation at fine resolution, gaining unique advantages with both civil and defence applications.

We collaborate with the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA)to develop revolutionary advances in novel space technology. Competitions are frequently launched but there is also an open call to enable innovators to come to us at any time If youre interested in helping to develop the next big thing in defence Space, visit our apply for funding page

Operational advantage

Dstlis the science inside the newest part of the armed forces,UKSpace Command. As theUKincreasingly operates both as a joint force, and in partnership with our allies, an advanced space capability is essential to underpin our combat systems and support the other defence domains: air, land, sea and cyber.

Space technologies can give theUKoperational advantage over potential adversaries. Since 2020, DSTL has had the ability to task a commercial satellite by providing aUKgovernment-owned and operated ground station. The Hermes relocatable ground station and mission operations centre improves how satellite imagery can be used by frontline commands.

A world-leader in space science

DstlleadsUKinvolvement in key international space science and technology activities. With these important burden-sharing partnerships theUKis better able to respond to future opportunities and threats, with an enhanced and valuable defence and security capability:

• a Dstl-headed international group of defence space scientists observing thedocking of 2 active orbiting satellites, in order to improve performance and space safety
• a space domain awareness experiment enabled scientists captured data that will improve sensors, processing and intelligence for theUKand allied governments

• the development of new space weather sensing suitein partnership with the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), developed miniature sensors to improve the in-space measurement and modelling of the Earths upper atmosphere, which can affect satellite communications
• International Space Pitch Day, last held in November 2022, stimulate the finding, funding and fast-tracking of space innovation and technology alongside our allies
• weve hosted exchange staff to help deepen cooperation and collaboration, including secondees from the United States Space Force, with Dstl employees having the opportunity to benefit from this reciprocal arrangement

Future focus of space science

Through discovery and experimentation, Dstls space capability will help to ensure theUKis ameaningful actor in space by 2030.

To facilitate this we have set up the Space Science and Technology Hub as a centre of excellence in defence and wider government, bringing together space-related work from acrossDstland beyond. This includes establishing new ways of working, partnering with frontline commands and collaborating with Space Command and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) to deliver the engineering prototypes necessary to enable first-of-a-kind space demonstration.

Our research often has applications outside defence. We work alongside theUKSpace Agency, DEFRAand theDepartment for Transportto provide scientific and technical expertise.

As part of the Defence Space Strategy, we are building on the pioneering science, emerging technologies and novel concepts we generated in our first phase of operation, utilising that experience and lessons learned to provide robust and effective advice, technology and innovation in collaboration with our partners be they international or across government, industry or academia.

Themes

Our staff, industry and academic partners work across a range of space scientific and technology themes including:

• space situational awareness
• the space environment
• space intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
• space control and resilience
• military satellite communications
• satellite launch, infrastructure and operations
• space architectures and advice
• space-based positioning, navigation and timing

Work with us

Career opportunities

Were always looking for talented individuals to join us, particularly those with experience in development of satellite tec

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