UK space companies Shield Space and ClearSpace have signed an agreement to jointly develop sovereign capabilities aimed at protecting British satellites from growing threats in orbit.
Under the deal, the two firms will provide end-to-end services for military and government satellites.
Shield Space develops technologies designed to keep satellites operating even when communications with ground stations are disrupted or denied.
ClearSpace, meanwhile, specializes in on-orbit servicing and satellite maintenance. Its capabilities include inspecting, refueling, repairing, relocating, and safely removing satellites, helping extend spacecraft life while reducing orbital debris.
Shield Space CEO Graeme Ritchie described the deal as a major step towards protecting the UK’s critical space infrastructure “which is exposed and increasingly threatened by our adversaries.”
“The threats the UK and its allies face today look different but they’re real and serious,” he said.
UK Advances Sovereign Space Capabilities
The partnership reflects a broader UK effort to strengthen sovereign space capabilities across defense, communications, and satellite operations.
In November 2025, Raytheon UK won a contract to support the country’s space domain awareness mission by providing orbital analysts and access to its NORSSTrack software, enabling the tracking of satellites, orbital debris, collision risks, and re-entry events.
Earlier, in October 2025, the UK announced plans to develop sensors capable of detecting laser threats targeting military and civilian satellites. The month before, the UK and US conducted their first coordinated close-proximity satellite operation in orbit, demonstrating growing allied cooperation in military space operations.
