Slingshot Aerospace begins UK contract to expand satellite tracking network

Slingshot Aerospace has secured a contract with the UK Space Agency to improve the United Kingdom's capability to track and characterize satellites and orbital debris. The Provision of Optical Delivery Partner contract increases UK sovereign space domain awareness as the number of operational satellites continues to grow, with 12,000 active satellites in orbit today and 100,000 expected by 2030.

Slingshot will install 13 new optical sensor systems at five locations globally. These systems are designed to deliver high-precision satellite, debris, asteroid, and comet tracking. Each sensor site will be equipped with AllSky Domes provided by Baader Planetarium to support autonomous, all-weather, round-the-clock operation.

Angus Stewart, Head of the National Space Operations Centre, said, "We are delighted to welcome Slingshot onboard as our delivery partner for a global network of optical space sensors. This sensor network is critical to our mission of protecting UK and allied interests in space and on Earth, and ensuring space remains safe and sustainable."

Slingshot currently operates 204 sensors across 21 locations on five continents. The company's Sovereign Space Object Tracking service allows governments to develop and operate independent sensor networks and obtain direct, scalable space domain awareness.