The UK is making significant strides in space security and monitoring with the introduction of the Borealis command, control, and data processing system.
Designed to enhance the UK’s military and space capabilities, Borealis will offer advanced software solutions to monitor and protect vital satellite infrastructure. The new system, developed by CGI UK under a £65 million contract, will provide cutting-edge technology to support military operations and ensure national security.
Borealis is an innovative system that consolidates data from multiple sources, processes it swiftly, and enhances space monitoring capabilities. The UK military and the UK Space Agency will benefit significantly from this development, as it allows them to detect, track, and respond to potential threats in space more efficiently. By integrating advanced data processing technologies, Borealis will offer improved situational awareness of space activities, including monitoring satellites, space debris, and environmental conditions.
The five-year contract with CGI UK will support approximately 100 skilled jobs in Leatherhead, Reading, and Bristol. This investment not only strengthens the UK’s space surveillance capabilities but also contributes to economic growth by fostering high-tech employment opportunities. The initiative aligns with the UK government’s Plan for Change, which aims to boost the country’s technological and industrial advancements.
Borealis will play a crucial role in enhancing the UK military’s understanding of the space domain, leading to better decision-making by commanders. By providing a comprehensive picture of space activity, the system will assist military operations both domestically and internationally. Borealis will be a key asset for the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC), which oversees the UK’s space surveillance and protection initiatives.
The software will integrate seamlessly with existing military systems, ensuring an interoperable and secure flow of information. By consolidating space-related data into a single, bespoke system, Borealis will improve the UK’s ability to protect its satellites and other crucial space assets from emerging threats.
The introduction of Borealis has received strong support from government and military officials. The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, highlighted the system’s impact on national security said “This new deal delivers for our national security by enhancing protection for our satellite technology that millions rely on while boosting jobs and growth at home. This Government continues to work swiftly to develop the new Defence Industrial Strategy. This announcement will support hundreds of highly skilled jobs, unlocking defence as an engine for growth and driving forward this government’s Plan for Change.”
Additionally, Maj Gen Paul Tedman, Commander of UK Space Command, emphasized the importance of space awareness and security, stated “The use of space is crucial for our economy, prosperity, security, and defence, but assured access to space is becoming increasingly contested by adversaries and congested by users and debris. Therefore, it is imperative that we know what is happening in space.
“Borealis is an innovative system that draws together multiple inputs to enhance the UK government’s understanding of the wide-ranging activity on orbit, allowing the UK to protect not just our own space assets, but those of our allies and partners as well.”
Borealis is set to deliver numerous advantages to the UK’s space security efforts, including:
- Space Domain Awareness – The system will provide comprehensive insights into space activity, including monitoring satellites, space debris, and space weather. This capability will enhance the UK’s ability to detect potential hazards and mitigate risks.
- Protection of UK Space Assets – Borealis will compile and analyze data related to UK satellites, enabling Space Command to protect vital infrastructure effectively. The improved situational awareness will allow for quicker response times to potential threats.
- Integrated Command and Control (C2) System – By offering real-time, high-quality data, Borealis will support military and government decision-making. The system is designed to operate across different tiers of security classification, ensuring a secure and interoperable information-sharing network.
Strategic Collaboration with CGI UK
CGI UK, a renowned IT systems integration specialist, will lead the development and implementation of Borealis. The company has extensive experience in providing IT solutions for defence organisations across the UK, Australia, Canada, and the USA. The project will be delivered in collaboration with a network of partner organisations chosen for their expertise in space and defence technologies.
Neil Timms, Senior Vice President of Space, Defence & Intelligence UK & Australia at CGI, expressed pride in supporting UK Space Command, stating: “We’re proud to support UK Space Command and the UK Space Agency through the delivery of Borealis. We believe this is a strategic step towards establishing a more holistic approach to the UK’s national space data architecture, with Borealis and the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) at its heart.”
Main Image: UK Ministry of Defence
