DATASTREAM: UKSA SCHEDULES £25M ORBITAL TRACKING RADAR FOR 2027
The UK Space Agency has finalized a new timeline for its £25 million space surveillance radar project, targeting a Southern Hemisphere installation to monitor LEO debris.
SYSTEM STATUS: PROCUREMENT ACTIVE
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has updated its trajectory for the procurement of a ground-based space surveillance radar. According to European Spaceflight, the agency expects to award a £25 million contract in July 2027. This timeline follows multiple revisions to the government’s initial procurement strategy.
HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS
The contract encompasses the end-to-end development and manufacture of a high-power radar array. The primary mission parameters involve tracking satellites and identifying space debris within Low Earth Orbit (LEO). As the orbital environment becomes increasingly saturated with commercial and sovereign assets, high-resolution tracking data is now a critical defensive and operational requirement.
DEPLOYMENT COORDINATES
While the specific coordinates remain classified, the UKSA has confirmed the installation will be located at a site in the Southern Hemisphere. The tender indicates that a site has been identified, though formal diplomatic or logistical discussions are currently restricted until procurement advances. This strategic placement will grant the UK significant visibility into sectors of the orbital shell that are currently underserved by Northern Hemisphere arrays.
TIMELINE LOG
The late-September call for tenders marks a significant step in the UK’s autonomous Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities. By establishing dedicated sensors rather than relying solely on shared data, the UK secures a more resilient position in the global space traffic management ecosystem.