Shield Space Secures £2 Million Funding to Advance Autonomous Satellite Protection

UK Defence Tech Firm Secures Significant Investment

Shield Space, a burgeoning UK defence technology company, announced today it has successfully secured £2 million in funding. This investment is earmarked to accelerate the development of its autonomous systems designed to protect satellites from a growing array of orbital threats, including jamming, interference, debris, and targeted attacks. The funding round was led by the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through Mercia Ventures, with additional participation from Twin Path Ventures, ROI Ventures, and P3A Ventures.

The capital infusion will enable Shield Space to establish new premises in Lincoln, expand its team by creating five new specialist roles, and prepare for its first crucial test flight, anticipated in early 2027.

Addressing Growing Orbital Threats with AI-Driven Autonomy

Founded by former specialists from UK Space Command, Shield Space is at the forefront of developing AI-driven guidance systems that empower satellites to autonomously detect and evade potential dangers without requiring constant ground-based intervention. This innovative approach aims to overcome the limitations of traditional satellite response systems, which often suffer from delays due to reliance on manual control from Earth.

The company's core software, known as Orbital Eyes, is designed to enable satellites, from nano-satellites upwards, to operate independently, identifying, tracking, and responding to threats in real-time. This capability is critical in an increasingly contested space environment where incidents of satellite jamming are on the rise, and the UK Space Command estimates approximately 220 counterspace systems are already active in orbit.

Strategic Importance for National Security and Infrastructure

The mission of Shield Space holds significant strategic importance, as modern life heavily relies on space-based services such as GPS, communications, and navigation, which are considered critical national infrastructure. Graeme Ritchie, CEO of Shield Space, emphasized the urgency of their work, stating, 'Much of modern life depends on space – our adversaries understand this and deliberately exploit uncertainty and delay. Our ambition is to give the UK, NATO and its allies sovereign space capabilities to operate decisively in contested environments. Space will have its Battle of Britain moment, just as air power did in 1940.'

Dan Molland, CTO, added that the company's technology will not only enhance space security but also offer substantial cost savings by allowing satellites to respond instantly without the need for extensive ground networks or operational teams. This investment marks a pivotal step in validating autonomous safeguarding for future military and commercial satellite fleets.