Recommendations & Conclusions
5 items
1
Recommendation
Third Report - Defence Space: through a…
Acknowledged
Recent years have seen welcome, if only partially successful, attempts to bring more coherence to space activity both across Whitehall and within the Ministry of Defence. The creation of the National Space Council and the MoD’s Space Directorate were recognised by witnesses as being positive developments in this regard. As …
Government response. The government states its commitment to developing the UK as a space nation, details the Cabinet Committee structure, lists ministerial responsibilities, and describes the role of the National Space Board and UK Space Command.
Ministry of Defence
2
Conclusion
Third Report - Defence Space: through a…
Acknowledged
Even before these recent developments, which seem to be a backward step, cross- Whitehall governance on space lacked sufficient clarity and direction. The delays to publication of the National and Defence Space Strategies frustrated industry and other stakeholders and suggest that despite the previous Prime Minister’s stated personal commitment to …
Government response. The government states its commitment to developing the UK as a space nation, details the Cabinet Committee structure, lists ministerial responsibilities, and describes the role of the National Space Board and UK Space Command.
Ministry of Defence
7
Conclusion
Third Report - Defence Space: through a…
Acknowledged
The response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has underlined the importance of the international community taking a united approach in the face of irresponsible and aggressive behaviour. We welcome the UK’s leading role at the United Nations in seeking to achieve a consensus on responsible norms and behaviours in space …
Government response. The government welcomes the Committee’s support in continuing to take a leading role at the United Nations on responsible space behaviours. The MOD is working closely with the FCDO on this initiative and the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a …
Ministry of Defence
12
Conclusion
Third Report - Defence Space: through a…
Acknowledged
The Ministry of Defence will have to carefully balance competing priorities in determining which defence space capabilities must be “owned” by Government and which can be provided by collaboration with Allies or through a commercial contract. Russia’s recent impounding of OneWeb satellites at the Baikonur cosmodrome demonstrates the potential dangers …
Government response. The government states that it will continue to identify the UK-based industrial capabilities the MOD requires in order to deliver and sustain military capability and conduct military operations as we choose without reliance on other nations, and to protect the …
Ministry of Defence
15
Conclusion
Third Report - Defence Space: through a…
Acknowledged
Space acquisitions require an innovative and flexible approach to procurement, but the MoD will need to balance this against ensuring value for money for the taxpayer. This will not be an easy task, and the Department’s endemic failure to robustly manage major projects does not inspire confidence that they will …
Government response. The government is exploring ways to enable greater agility and iterative delivery of capability, and the Defence Space Portfolio will be able to take advantage of this approach. UK Space Command recently published a Capability Management Plan, which gives an …
Ministry of Defence