CySpace Connected Capability Network Launches to Enhance Security and Resilience of the UK’s Space Domain Awareness Capability
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Today marks the launch of the third Satellite Applications Catapult-funded Connected Capability Network (CCN) which aims to unite communities across the UK, enabling them to harness the benefits of satellite data and space technology.
The CySpace CCN, led by Space West Cluster, will advance the reach and impact of satellite data and space technology across the UK, particularly regarding the security of space assets that impact our lives on Earth. The CySpace CCN will collaborate with relevant space and non-space communities to focus on enhancing the UK’s Space Domain Awareness capability by including cybersecurity considerations, leading to a more secure space environment.
What is the CySpace Connected Capability Network?
The purpose of the Connected Capability Networks is to amplify the Catapult’s Mission: to innovate for better world, empowered by space. This is delivered by mapping and engaging new partners and capabilities both within and outside the space sector, bringing together expertise to drive forward innovation and finding new ways to work as a community and exploring collaborative opportunities. The CySpace CCN, with its focus on Space Domain Awareness, will support the delivery of the UK’s National Space Strategy, including the most recent Defence Space Strategy, and will consequently align closely with the work of the Catapult’s Strategic Account on Defence and Security.
Rebecca Huffee, Space West Cluster Manager commented:
“The Space West Cluster is delighted to be working with space and cyber clusters from across the UK to build on the work being done under Space West’s “Secure and Resilient Communications Priority” theme to strengthen the resilience of UK space assets, including through enhancing the resilience of Space Domain Awareness. Cybersecurity poses the biggest threat to our space assets. The CySpace Connected Capability Network is excited to be working with partners, Frazer Nash Consulting, Space South Central, North West Space Cluster, Space North East England, Space Wales, Space East and NI Space as well as our cyber cluster counterparts to develop new networks and collaborations to create new products and services that will strengthen the security of our infrastructure in space. Given the critical nature of Space Domain Awareness capability for our continued access and operation in space, the CySpace network will focus on this capability to drive an understanding of the threat landscape, requirements and gaps to define a roadmap for developing resilient capability through including applications and considerations of Cybersecurity.”
CCNs have been created by the Satellite Applications Catapult which has been instrumental in fostering growth within the UK Space Ecosystem since its inception in 2013. The CCNs will are coordinated by space clusters from across the UK and their partners working towards a common goal. The CySpace CCN launch follows a successful launch of the UK Earth Observation Network for Sustainability (UK-EONS) at the end of 2023. UK-EONS emphasises the use of Earth Observation technology to address sustainability challenges. Additionally, the UK-Autonomous and Connected Earth (UK-ACE) was launched in March 2024 to bring together stakeholders from space and adjacent sectors, fostering collaboration and investment opportunities in autonomy and connectivity technologies.
By building links between adjacent sectors and Space Clusters, the CCNs will contribute to growth in the UK Space Ecosystem by developing communities to support the delivery of the National Space Strategy. CCNs achieve this by facilitating the translation of research and development into commercial opportunities for the UK space sector and by strengthening community activity throughout the UK.
Dr Nafeesa Dajda, Director for National Capability at the Satellite Applications Catapult commented:
“Developing a vibrant UK Space Ecosystem remains a primary focus of the Satellite Applications Catapult. With the launch of the third CCN, we aim to contribute to developing, maintaining and increasing the potential of the UK’s Space Domain Awareness capabilities. Bringing together relevant space and non-space industrial and academic capabilities from around the UK, including those in cybersecurity, the CySpace CCN will create opportunities for people to work together, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure space environment for all.”
Photo taken at Defence Space Conference at the IET in Savoy Place. Photo left to right: Matthew Holman (Capture Manager, Defence and Security), Rebecca Huffee (Cluster Manager, Space West Cluster), Anuradha Damale-Day (Space Ecosystem Manager, Satellite Applications Catapult)
