The Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to spend \u00a317.5 million on a remotely-operated satellite monitoring facility in Cyprus, partly to protect the UK’s secure communications system Skynet.<\/p>\n
The facility, known as Noctis-2, will include an optical array and potentially an infrared telescope.<\/p>\n
It will provide a “persistent stare capability” of the orbit used by geostationary satellites, broader monitoring of the skies and the ability to examine chosen objects, according to a preliminary market engagement notice published<\/a> on 16 March.<\/p>\n Supporting documents for potential suppliers say the UK currently has “a capability gap” in terms of monitoring space, which it needs to protect assets including its Skynet secure communication satellites<\/a>.<\/p>\n Noctis-2 will involve a large-scale electro-optical static array, remotely operated by the staff of No 1 Space Operations Squadron at RAF High Wycombe with data passed to the\u00a0National Space Operating Centre.<\/p>\n The array will be in Cyprus, which is closer to the equator and has clearer skies than the UK.<\/p>\n It also includes two British overseas territories, including RAF Akrotiri \u2013 which earlier this month was hit by an attack drone<\/a>.<\/p>\n