Advancing UK’s Planetary Defence: Spaceflux Network Joins UKSA’s Asteroid Monitoring Efforts  

The vastness of space holds countless wonders—and potential hazards. With over 31,000 Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) currently catalogued and hundreds more discovered each month, the need for robust monitoring systems has never been more critical. Today, we’re proud to announce that Spaceflux’s global observation network is now part of the UK Space Agency’s (UKSA) contribution to the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN). 

This integration comes at a pivotal moment, as the UK has recently joined IAWN, the United Nations-facilitated body that coordinates global efforts to detect and monitor potentially hazardous asteroids. Through this collaboration, Spaceflux’s cutting-edge optical Space Situational Awareness (SSA) technology will strengthen the UK’s contribution to international planetary defence initiatives. 

The UK’s space monitoring capabilities are evolving rapidly. The UK is moving from being a passive receiver of data to an accurate contributor in the global NEO monitoring network. Spaceflux is proud to be at the forefront of this transition, providing the advanced tracking capabilities that enable this enhanced role. 

Our integration with the UK Space Agency aligns directly with the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) mission of developing and operating sovereign UK government space surveillance and protection capabilities. By leveraging our proprietary global optical sensor network, Spaceflux is supporting the UK’s ambitions to stand alongside other major space agencies in the critical work of planetary defence. 

The monitoring of NEOs requires exceptional precision and reliability. Spaceflux’s AI-powered CORTEX platform, combined with our proprietary optical sensors, enables the detection of faint signals from distant celestial objects. Our technology features the largest sensors available in the market today for detecting asteroids at extreme distances, advanced day/night tracking capabilities that ensure continuous monitoring, and sub-arcsecond precision delivering highly accurate positioning data. 

Spaceflux’s extensive network currently includes 15 global observatories, with expansion to 25 planned within the next 12 months. This growing array of autonomous telescopes and taskable sensors provides the coverage and responsiveness needed for effective NEO monitoring, allowing for rapid response to tracking requests from the UKSA and other partners. 

We’ve already contributed observations to the Minor Planet Center (MPC), the international clearinghouse for asteroid positioning data, and have been integrated into the asteroid monitoring workflow. Last year, our team successfully tracked an asteroid that was due to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere over the Philippines, demonstrating our operational readiness for these time-critical observations. 

This partnership represents more than just technical collaboration—it’s a significant step in strengthening the UK’s sovereign space capabilities. By providing the UKSA with access to our highly accurate, real-time analytics and mission-critical data, Spaceflux is helping to ensure that the UK maintains operational independence in space monitoring while contributing valuable data to international efforts. 

“Our work with the UK Space Agency exemplifies Spaceflux’s commitment to enhancing space safety through trusted partnerships,” said Marco Rocchetto, CEO of Spaceflux. “By supporting planetary defence initiatives, we’re applying our expertise in space situational awareness to one of the most important challenges facing space operations today.” 

As space becomes increasingly congested, the dual application of our technology—protecting both satellites in orbit and monitoring objects that could potentially impact Earth—highlights the importance of advanced Space Situational Awareness. As we continue to expand our sensor network and enhance our AI-powered analytics, we remain committed to providing the high-quality data needed for effective NEO monitoring, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for space operations through coordinated international efforts. 

To learn more about Spaceflux’s Space Situational Awareness capabilities and how they can support your mission-critical operations, contact our team today.