UK acquires new ground-based sensor to monitor GEO

The two agencies will task the optical telescope, developed by Spaceflux, from the Space Operations Centre at RAF High Wycombe. (Spaceflux)

The UK Space Agency and Space Command have contracted UK company Spaceflux to develop and operate a new space domain awareness (SDA) sensor to monitor objects in geostationary orbit (GEO).

Known as Project Nyx Alpha, the contract, announced by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 22 November, will involve building a ground-based camera-telescope to gather positional information on UK satellites in order to help prevent collisions and protect critical assets in space, including Skynet.

The telescope will be situated in Cyprus rather than the UK because of its optimum position and elevation for monitoring objects in GEO. Information from the sensor can also be shared with partner organisations and allies, the announcement detailed.

An MoD spokesperson told Janes the contract was valued at GBP500,000 (USD626,210) and the sensor would be delivered by the second quarter (Q2) of 2024.