UK To Form Commercial Space Tracking Cell, Partners With U.S. Space Command's

The United Kingdom to establish Joint Task Force-Space Defense Commercial Operations Cell (JCO-U.K.), and partner with U.S. Space Command initiative focused on purchasing commercial space domain awareness data.

The U.S. Space Command currently operates the Joint Task Force-Space Defense Commercial Operations Cell (JCO) at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The JCO-U.S. was created in 2020 with the aim of enhancing the space-tracking capabilities of the National Space Defense Center within the Space Command. The JCO accomplishes this by procuring data and analytics services from commercial companies.

 “I’m delighted that we can announce the stand-up of the national JCO-U.K. cell,” - Air Vice-Marshal Paul Alexander Godfrey, the commander of the U.K. Space Command

According to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office, the U.S. Space Force has plans to allocate approximately $20 million to the JCO for commercial space situational awareness (SSA) data purchases in the fiscal year 2023. Furthermore, a total of around $110 million has been earmarked for fiscal years 2023 through 2027.

The establishment of the JCO-U.K. is expected to contribute to the "follow-the-sun" model employed by the JCO. This model ensures 24/7 operations by incorporating eight-hour operational shifts based on local European time zones. Each cell within the JCO will be able to operate during normal business hours, thereby facilitating continuous space domain awareness efforts.

To facilitate seamless cooperation between the U.S. and the U.K., personnel from the JCO, Space Systems Command, and the Air Force Research Laboratory have collaborated to establish communications channels, network connectivity, access to commercial data, and space domain awareness analysis tools.

The leadership role JCO-U.K. plays in global commercial operations will enable the deployment of new capabilities at a faster pace, benefiting both nations in their shared missions.

The participation of the United Kingdom in the U.S. Space Command initiative signifies a significant advancement in international cooperation in space domain awareness and demonstrates the shared commitment of both nations to ensure the safety and security of activities in space.