CySpace Connected Capability Network

About the CySpace Connected Capability Network

The domain of space is becoming increasingly congested, contested and competed as space actors, state and private enterprise, seek to reap the benefits space systems can provide. As innovation continues to broaden the capabilities of space systems, these are playing an increasing role in facilitating functions of society, economy and national security. Space is identified as part of our Critical National Infrastructure and strengthening the security of our space assets must be a priority for the sector and government to ensure our social and economic prosperity.  

The CySpace Connected Capability Network aims to create a more resilient space domain by bringing together partners from across industry, academia and government within and outside the space sector to map relevant capabilities and expertise that can be leveraged to create new products and services that address our most critical vulnerabilities. This CySpace CCN is led by SpaceWest and delivered in partnership with Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Space South Central, North West Space Cluster, Space North East, Space Wales, Space East and Space Northern Ireland as well as our cyber cluster from across the UK.  The programme is funded and supported by the Satellite Applications Catapult as part of their Connected Capability programme.  

Given the critical nature of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capability for our continued access and operation in space, the CySpace CCN will first focus on cyber security considerations for SDA.  The programme will drive a deeper understanding of the threat landscape, map capability and understand where UK efforts and resources should be deployed to develop more resilient capability. As our network builds, we anticipate that follow on programmes will focus on cyber considerations for other space capabilities. 

The UK is at the forefront of cybersecurity research and innovation and this is both a national economic and strategic asset. The CySpace programme will build new networks between space and cyber communities from across the UK that will foster new collaborations to generate more trustworthy products and services which will both strengthen UK resilience but deliver economic growth through export opportunities. 

The two year programme will be broken down into four phases and will require engagement with industry, academia and government. The programme will work with cluster partners to deliver events and workshops to engage with communities from across the UK across all four phases. Since the launch of the programme we have received a lot of interest and enquiries and we want to ensure that we can manage this effectively. If you would like to register your interest in getting involved in the programme either by attending workshops, joining working groups, attending meetings or simply keeping abreast of what is going on please complete our form and as we start the delivery phase in Q4 this year we can ensure that opportunities for engagement can be communicated.        

CCNs have been created by the Satellite Applications Catapult which has been instrumental in fostering growth within the UK Space Ecosystem since its inception in 2013. The CCNs will are coordinated by space clusters from across the UK and their partners working towards a common goal. The CySpace CCN launch follows a successful launch of the UK Earth Observation Network for Sustainability (UK-EONS) at the end of 2023. UK-EONS emphasises the use of Earth Observation technology to address sustainability challenges. Additionally,  the UK-Autonomous and Connected Earth (UK-ACE) was launched in March 2024 to bring together stakeholders from space and adjacent sectors, fostering collaboration and investment opportunities in autonomy and connectivity technologies. 

By building links between adjacent sectors and Space Clusters, the CCNs will contribute to growth in the UK Space Ecosystem by developing communities to support the delivery of the National Space Strategy. CCNs achieve this by facilitating the translation of research and development into commercial opportunities for the UK space sector and by strengthening community activity throughout the UK.