Space Insights | December 2024

Hello there,

Welcome to the December edition of Space Insights.

Can you believe we’ve already reached the end of another year? 2024 is all but over and the planning for 2025 is in full swing – we’re certainly excited about what the next 12 months hold.

The big event since we last spoke was Thailand Space Week in Bangkok at the start of November, during which we were exhibiting and had various spokespeople in attendance. It was great to get the opportunity to reconnect with customers, build new relationships within Thailand’s space sector and learn about some of the impressive innovations coming out of the country.

Overall, it has been a demanding yet extremely interesting and positive year. In July we launched our integrated Space Business Unit and announced Doug Liddle as the Head of Space for Digital Intelligence. We welcomed our first cohort of Space Systems Engineering degree apprentices who have completed their first stint at the University of Portsmouth and start their projects with the space team in the New Year. We were also delighted to sign a contract with the European Space Agency - ESA for a design study of the Plasma Observatory candidate mission.

Looking ahead to 2025, it’s a key year for the UK’s space ambitions with the conclusion of both the Strategic Defence Review and the Industrial Strategy. It’s also the biannual UKspace Conference in Manchester in July, where we will see the sector gather.

For now, all that’s left to say is Merry Christmas and happy New Year from all of us here at BAE Systems. See you in 2025.

Until next time,

Elizabeth Seward

Head of Strategy & Market Development, Space, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence

Did you know that we have been working in this ‘Space’ for more than two decades?

We have specialist technologies in waveforms, electronics, antenna and digital signal processing and analytics with 20 years in ground based signal processing for various space agencies. Our capabilities enable sovereign, secure and resilient data sharing between different platforms – land, sea, air and space.

Discover our new platform lines and learn how we’re innovating in space for advantage on Earth.

Read more about our Space capabilities

Collaborating on next-generation EO capabilities

Collaboration has long been a key component of our space strategy. One key example of this is our space team working with Thailand’s Space Agency and Space Research organisation – known as GISTDA, Geo-informatics and Space Technology Development Agency – to help develop next generation earth observation capabilities.

Read more about this collaboration and our work with Thailand’s space sector

Harnessing the power of perspective from space

Space is unique in its capability, with applications that have far-reaching impacts across defence and other government organisations. Space provides a unique vantage point for observing and, in turn, better understanding the Earth, enabling applications that have a significant impact across defence, civil and commercial sectors.

Read Doug Liddle's article for Media Planet

Supporting local schools

We recently partnered with Haileybury UK , a co-educational independent boarding and day school in Hertfordshire, on a new space programme that aims to launch a mini satellite into space. More than 30 pupils aged 12 to 18 are involved in the project, which is designed to enhance their knowledge and application of subjects such as engineering, physics and project management.

Read more

New UK Space community

The UK Space Agency recently launched a UK Space Agency Alumni Community as part of its “Responsible Pioneers” People Strategy. The community will enable Agency Alumni to support each other through their careers, foster ongoing relationships in the space sector and maintain a strong link with the Agency.

If you enjoyed this, explore more insights from our experts

Sign up now for the Space Insights series for the latest research and commentary from the BAE Systems Digital Intelligence team delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe now