Spaceflux and UK Space Command to boost GEO monitoring
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Nov 23, 2023

Spaceflux, a notable UK space technology company established in 2022, has recently been awarded significant contracts by the UK Space Command and the UK Space Agency. This collaboration is set to significantly enhance the United Kingdom's Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities, focusing particularly on monitoring satellites in the strategically crucial geostationary orbit (GEO).

The company, known for its specialization in SDA services, leverages high-quality optical data obtained from its proprietary global network of optical sensors. This network, which encompasses 10 unique locations across five continents, illustrates Spaceflux's dedication to constructing a comprehensive SDA infrastructure on a global scale.

Under the terms of these new contracts, Spaceflux's extensive optical sensor network will be employed to gather critical satellite tracking data for both the UK Space Agency (UKSA) and Space Command. This data is essential for the monitoring of GEO satellites, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the protection of UK space assets against potential collisions and adversarial actions.

A notable aspect of Spaceflux's contract involves the construction of a new, national, ground-based SDA sensor in Cyprus. This sensor will be integrated into Project Nyx Alpha, a key initiative for closer monitoring of objects in GEO, which is approximately 36,000km above Earth's equator. The primary mission of this project is to safeguard UK satellites and protect critical space infrastructure.

The importance of this development was emphasized by Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey, Commander of UK Space Command, at the recent UK Space Conference in Belfast. Godfrey underscored the significance of Space Domain Awareness in safeguarding UK and allied interests in space, highlighting the critical role of Project Nyx Alpha in this endeavor.

Additionally, Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, remarked on the joint procurement's role in strengthening the UK's space capabilities. He pointed out the increasing operational challenges posed by the growing number of satellites and space debris, and how operating the sensor in Cyprus would boost the UK's ability to track space objects, thereby mitigating collision risks and ensuring the safety of essential satellites.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the National Space Strategy and the Defence Space Strategy, which prioritize SDA as a key capability for the UK.

Dr. Marco Rocchetto, Founder and CEO of Spaceflux, expressed his company's enthusiasm for playing a significant role in enhancing the UK's sovereign space capabilities. He emphasized Spaceflux's commitment to delivering timely, reliable, and accurate SDA systems, crucial for the safety and security of in-orbit assets. Rocchetto highlighted that these contracts would allow Spaceflux to further advance its technologies and significantly contribute to the growth of the UK space ecosystem.

Currently, Spaceflux operates 10 satellite tracking ground-stations in various global locations, including Australia, Hawaii, and Chile. The company has ambitious expansion plans, aiming to increase its presence to 15 more locations by 2024. This expansion is expected to deliver a substantial increase in daily observations, providing global coverage, unparalleled accuracy, and reliability of data. This effort is crucial for enhancing the safety of space.

Spaceflux, with its proven expertise in managing commercial telescope networks and applying advanced machine learning technology for object detection, stands as a leader in the SDA field. The company's services, covering Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to GEO and even Cislunar space, utilize the largest optical sensors in the market combined with advanced AI-driven analytics. This capability positions Spaceflux as a significant player in the global space surveillance and situational awareness sector.

Related Links
Spaceflux
Military Space News at SpaceWar.com