Brexit Britain is to build its own £40million satellite in the UK to rival the European Union’s Galileo system.
Juno will capture daytime images of the Earth’s surface in what backers of the project hailed as a boost to Britain’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
It will generate 200 “skilled” jobs, help grow the economy and further enhance Britain’s space sector, those behind the project said when they announced it on Monday (November 4).
The new satellite is due to launch in 2027, joining Tyche, which was UK Space Command’s first satellite. It has been in orbit since August.
Both satellites will form part of the Ministry of Defence’s space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance programme.
This is expected to deliver satellites and supporting ground systems by 2031, aiding military operations, including the monitoring of Britain’s enemies.
It is also the UK’s answer to the European Union’s Galileo system, a £9bn project set up to rival the United States’ GPS system – which Britain left post-Brexit.
Maria Eagle, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, said in a statement: “The contract for Juno shows the UK’s commitment to grow one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world and keep our competitive edge in space science and technology.
“Juno will not only support Armed Forces personnel deployed globally, but also support highly skilled jobs, delivering on the government’s growth mission.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said with Tyche in space and Juno now on contract UK Space Command’s programme is making great strides.
The contract for Juno was awarded to Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), the same company which manufactured Tyche.
SSTL employs about 400 engineers, technicians and support staff across two sites in Guildford, Surrey, and Bordon in Hampshire.
Andrew Cawthorne, Managing Director, SSTL, said Juno will offer a step change in imaging capability over Tyche.
Former prime minister Theresa May pulled the plug on Britain’s participation in Galileo after Brexit despite the UK investing a whopping £1.2billion in the system.
The UK was one of the largest investors in Galileo, until Brussels said Britain’s involvement was up for negotiation during Brexit talks.
Galileo was at the centre of some of the bitterest rows with the bloc. The UK’s exit from the project kick-started British efforts to explore its own options outside the EU.
During his premiership, Boris Johnson signed off on a £400m bid to secure a stake in the US operator OneWeb in June 2020. The company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection just a few months before.
The aim was for the satellite operator to deliver the same civil and military services as the EU’s Galileo system.
OneWeb was effectively rescued by the British Government, in a bailout which would eventually leave taxpayers facing a £200m loss.
The company’s sale to Eutelsat ended British hopes OneWeb could become a UK rival to Elon Musk’s Starlink.
