The document outlines the key points and discussions from the 2026 RAeS President’s Conference titled “Assured Space.” Leaders from industry, government, military, and academia convened to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities in space—highlighting the shift from merely accessing space to ensuring its reliability and security.
Key Highlights:
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Historical Context and Importance of Space:
- Prof. Malcolm Macdonald FRAeS emphasized that space has become crucial for communication and technology since the establishment of the first transatlantic cable in 1866.
- The concept of “Assured Space” was presented as sustaining the space value chain despite potential failures or threats.
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Economic Stakes:
- The UK Space Minister, Baroness Lloyd, noted the economic importance of the space sector, which is valued at £19bn and connects to a much larger economic foundation reliant on satellite services.
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Military and Civil Integration:
- Admiral Johnny Stringer’s keynote highlighted the merging of military and civil space with an increased focus on preparedness against adversarial space actions.
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Acquisition Challenges:
- AM (rtd) Andrew Turner critiqued the military’s “rear-view mirror” procurement approach, pointing out that industry is moving towards “capability as a service.”
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Dual Use of Space Technologies:
- Panels emphasized that many technologies have both civil and military applications, reminding attendees that control over data flows is more critical than ownership of hardware.
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Space as a Contested Domain:
- The potential for increased conflict in space was mentioned alongside a recognition of the congestion and the challenges of managing numerous satellites in orbit.
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Nurturing Talent:
- Panels discussed the importance of human talent as part of critical national infrastructure, advocating for academia-industry partnerships to develop future skills.
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Technology Advancement:
- The integration of AI in Earth observation and timing technologies showcases how advancements in space can impact various sectors.
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Global Cooperation vs. Sovereignty:
- Balancing national sovereignty with international partnerships is increasingly seen as essential to ensure resilience in space capabilities.
Conclusion:
The conference highlighted a critical turning point in space strategy, emphasizing the need for nations to ensure reliable access and capabilities in an increasingly congested and contested environment. The shift towards an industrialized approach was noted, alongside calls for collaboration between government, industry, and academia to fulfill the strategic ambitions of the space sector.
This reflects not only the urgent need for assured operations in space but also the recognition that the future of space involves not just access but assured and cooperative systems to maintain a significant operational advantage.
