The UK Space Agency has awarded Raytheon NORSS, RTX’s U.K. unit, a contract for the supply of data on space objects in low-Earth orbit.
Raytheon NORSS will work on the contract using its Low-Earth Orbit Camera Installation’s ground-based sensors for routine data collection on LEO objects, such as space debris, commercial satellites and defense systems.
According to RTX, the collected data will help broaden and enhance British space domain awareness and strengthen the U.K. Space Agency’s capability to maintain its space assets’ safety.
In addition to its U.K. operations, Raytheon NORSS has expanded its LOCI deployments to sites in the United States and Australia for a more comprehensive look at LEO space objects, RTX said.
Besides the LOCI contract, Raytheon NORSS will also work on creating a 10-year strategy for the U.K. Space Agency’s National Space Operations Centre, which is set to open in April 2024 to further sharpen the U.K.’s space domain awareness capabilities.
Other U.K. Space Agency space debris-related projects include a $5 million funding for two missions to bring back to Earth at least two inactive British satellites by 2026.