Nicosia, Cyprus. British media report that the United Kingdom will proceed with a £17.5 million satellite monitoring facility in Cyprus to strengthen space surveillance and protect critical military communications.
Facility and capabilities
The project, known as Noctis-2, will deploy advanced optical systems, with the possibility of an infrared telescope, to enable continuous observation of geostationary orbit. The system’s “persistent stare capability” is intended to allow constant tracking of satellites positioned about 36,000 kilometres above Earth.
Operations and data use
The facility will be located in Cyprus but operated remotely from the RAF’s space operations squadron at RAF High Wycombe. Data will be transmitted to the UK’s national space operations centre to support monitoring and analysis.
Rationale and location choice
British defence documents say the system is intended to address a “capability gap” in space surveillance as satellite numbers increase and operational risks become more complex. Cyprus was selected due to existing British military infrastructure on the island, including RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia, as well as clearer skies and proximity to the equator that improve visibility of geostationary satellites.
Protection of military communications
The system is expected to enhance protection of the UK’s Skynet satellite communications network, used for secure military communications. Officials say the technology will improve the detection and assessment of potential threats to these assets.
Programme background
The Noctis-2 programme builds on the Noctis-1 system developed in 2023 and is intended to expand monitoring capabilities across geostationary orbits.
How do you think increased monitoring of geostationary orbit could affect the protection of military satellite communications?