Insider Brief
- The UK Space Agency has awarded Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd a £40 million contract to develop a new Earth observation satellite, Juno.
- The satellite is designed to strengthen the United Kingdom’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities and support both military and civilian operations.
- Juno, expected to launch in 2027, will be equipped with advanced daytime imaging sensors to gather crucial intelligence on the Earth’s surface.
The UK Space Agency has awarded Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) a £40 million contract to develop a new Earth observation satellite, Juno, designed to strengthen the United Kingdom’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and support both military and civilian operations.
Juno, expected to launch in 2027, will be equipped with advanced daytime imaging sensors to gather crucial intelligence on the Earth’s surface. The satellite will aid the armed forces in monitoring adversary activities and contribute to broader government efforts, such as disaster response, environmental tracking, and climate change analysis.
This contract is a significant step in the UK Space Command’s ISTARI program, which aims to deploy a constellation of ISR satellites and supporting ground infrastructure by 2031. Juno follows the launch of Tyche in August, the first satellite in this series, marking ongoing progress in the UK’s ISR capabilities.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton underscored the importance of this development, emphasizing that UK Space Command is well-prepared to support complex, all-domain military operations. The combined capabilities of Tyche and Juno will provide the country and its allies with critical, space-based intelligence and surveillance assets.
The project is set to support around 200 skilled jobs at SSTL’s facilities in Guildford and Bordon, reinforcing the UK government’s commitment to fostering growth in the national space sector. Andrew Cawthorne, Managing Director of SSTL, expressed pride in partnering with the UK Space Agency, highlighting that Juno will represent a significant leap forward from Tyche in imaging capability.
Maria Eagle, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, noted that the investment showcases the UK’s dedication to growing a world-class space economy. She emphasized that the project will not only enhance national defense capabilities but also create high-value jobs, contributing to the government’s economic growth mission.
Paul Russell, Space team leader at Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), praised the collaborative effort between defense and industry partners. He stressed that such partnerships are crucial for ensuring that the UK Armed Forces have the intelligence and surveillance tools necessary to maintain a strategic advantage.
The UK Space Agency’s decision to select SSTL followed a competitive procurement process, reflecting the nation’s focus on leveraging domestic industry expertise to strengthen its defense space strategy. This collaboration aims to advance the UK’s ISR capabilities while informing future procurement strategies to support evolving space technology needs.
Image credit: UK Space Agency
