No 1 Space Operations Squadron will get a persistent stare capability

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to spend £17.5 million on a remotely-operated satellite monitoring facility in Cyprus, partly to protect the UK's secure communications system Skynet.

The facility, known as Noctis-2, will include an optical array and potentially an infrared telescope.

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 on 16 March.

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.

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 National Space Operating Centre.

The array will be in Cyprus, which ...