"The facility, known as Noctis-2, will include an optical array and potentially an infrared telescope. It will provide a "persistent stare capability" of the orbit used by geostationary satellites, broader monitoring of the skies and the ability to examine chosen objects, according to a preliminary market engagement notice published on 16 March."
"Supporting documents for potential suppliers say the UK currently has "a capability gap" in terms of monitoring space, which it needs to protect assets including its Skynet secure communication satellites."
"The supporting documents say the new project will improve on Noctis-1's ability to monitor low earth and geostationary orbits, which are urgently required given "the rapid rise in satellite numbers in recent years and the increasing complexity of adversary actions in space.""
The UK Ministry of Defence plans to construct Noctis-2, a remotely-operated satellite monitoring facility in Cyprus, at a cost of £17.5 million. The facility will feature an optical array and potentially an infrared telescope, providing persistent surveillance of geostationary satellite orbits and broader sky monitoring capabilities. Cyprus was selected due to its proximity to the equator and clearer skies compared to the UK. The facility will be remotely operated by No 1 Space Operations Squadron at RAF High Wycombe, with data transmitted to the National Space Operating Centre. This project addresses identified capability gaps in space monitoring needed to protect UK assets, particularly the Skynet secure communication satellites. Noctis-2 will enhance monitoring capabilities beyond the existing Noctis-1 telescope, responding to increasing satellite proliferation and growing adversarial space activities.
Read at Theregister
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]