Threat to MilSpace Funding Concerns U.K.
By Douglas Barrie 
Concern is growing among British companies that London will not support military space research for at least the coming financial year, a move apparently at odds with the Defense Ministry’s just-released Defense Technology Plan.
The document identifies two space-based deep and persistent demonstrations as part of its overall approach to potential high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) requirements. “Small satellite international research collaboration” and the “design, build and launch [of]small satellite demonstrators” are identified within the DTP as areas of “potential further activity.” Each is identified as covering the period from April 2009—the start of the financial year—until 2013.
There is renewed interest within elements of the U.K. military into acquiring a national space-based surveillance capability. The continuing success of the Qinetiq-led Topsat electro-optical surveillance satellite demonstrator—partly funded by the Defense Ministry—is underscoring the potential of such systems. The satellite provides 3-meter resolution imagery, with an overall weight of 120 kg. (264 lb.).
Air Vice Marshal Tim Anderson, the assistant chief of the air staff, has in the past suggested that “a national [satellite] capability [as] a luxury may no longer be appropriate.”
Next-generation “overhead” systems have been identified previously by the ministry as a contributor to what it terms the “Floodlight” element of its intelligence surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance strategy. Up until now, the U.K. has been reliant on its privileged access to U.S. space-based systems: Industry and some within the ministry have been arguing that a national collection system would be a valuable complement.
The Defense Ministry is now in the throes of finalizing its latest spending plan, known as Planning Round 09. Military and industry officials have previously confirmed that funding pressures would potentially present the ministry with difficult choices. The obvious priority of meeting urgent requirements for Afghanistan, combined with the draw this has on overall defense funding, however, means the ministry is struggling to meet all of its aspirations.
Defense industry executives suggest that the ministry appears to be cutting any funding for space research for the next financial year, a move one executive describes as “dispiriting.” Arguably this is particularly so, given the relatively small amount of money required.
One potential follow-on to Topsat offered by industry to the Defense Ministry was a proposal known as SkySight. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., now a subsidiary of EADS Astrium, had put forward an electro-optical satellite project based on the SSTL-300 platform. A four-strong constellation was suggested, with the first two satellites offering a resolution of 1.2 meters (4 ft.). The last two satellites would have provided the ministry with submetric resolution.
Industry is also arguing that space-based sensors are complementary to long-endurance air-breathing systems. However, the Defense Ministry, in prioritizing requirements, is not placing any immediate emphasis on the acquisition of a HALE platform. The ministry’s Unmanned Air System Capability Investigation report effectively “parked” any near-term need for a HALE, according to military officials, although the requirement will be developed in the longer term.
British space-industry lobby group UKSpace is also trying to invigorate and bolster wider support within government for space-related research and development. Its “Space Secures Prosperity” report, published in September 2008, argues that a U.K. national space-based reconnaissance capability would potentially provide a broader benefit than to just the Defense Ministry.
Proponents of a national capability maintain that a U.K. asset would give London the ability to prioritize tasking to meet national requirements, rather than having to be dependent on the U.S. While the U.K. is extremely well served in its ability to access U.S. national technical means, it inevitably remains second in the queue to Washington’s own priorities. The ability to provide satellite intelligence on even a limited reciprocal basis would also be beneficial.
Industry wants to secure ministry support to help it develop the basis of systems that could be exported, building on the U.K.’s strength in the small-satellite sector.
Image: Qinetiq
