Lincoln defence firm secures funding for satellite protection technology

Defence technology company, Shield Space, which focuses on satellite protection systems, has secured £2 million in early-stage funding as it prepares to take its technology into orbit. The investment will support a move into larger premises in Lincoln, the creation of five new jobs and preparation for an initial orbital test flight planned for early 2027. Shield Space is developing autonomous systems designed to help satellites detect and evade jamming or physical threats, a growing concern as space becomes increasingly congested and contested.

The funding round was led by the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II through Mercia Ventures, with participation from Twin Path Ventures, ROI Ventures and P3A Ventures. Founded in 2025 by former UK Space Command colleagues Graeme Ritchie and Dan Molland, the company brings together experience from defence, aerospace and launch operations. Ritchie, the chief executive, is a former RAF defence technology specialist and previously founded drone consultancy Shield UAS Solutions. Molland, the chief technology officer, specialises in launch integration and has worked on payloads for SpaceX and NASA missions.

Graeme Ritchie, CEO said: “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. Establishing our operations in the Midlands and growing our team is critical to ensure we are ready when that moment arrives.”

The business is targeting risks facing space-based services, such as communications, navigation, and timing, which underpin a large share of the UK economy and are classified as critical national infrastructure. Incidents of satellite interference have been rising year on year, alongside the growth of counterspace systems capable of damaging or disabling assets in orbit. The technology from Shield Space is designed to reduce reliance on ground-based control teams. Using AI-led guidance systems, satellites can identify potential threats and manoeuvre away from danger in real time, rather than waiting for instructions from Earth, a delay the company says can prove costly in high-risk environments.

Louis Taylor, CEO of the British Business Bank, commented: “Backing start-ups in the manufacturing and technology sectors is a key priority for the British Business Bank. Shield Space’s technology has the potential to safeguard strategic assets in space, and this latest funding will support its first flight launch. It is encouraging to see the Greater Lincolnshire Mayor’s commitment to helping businesses in the region to start up, scale up and grow. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we are pleased to help companies access the capital they need through our investment funds.”

Amrit Sami of Mercia Ventures added: “As we embark on the start of a new space age, protecting our space assets has become a national priority. Shield Space is addressing this challenge. We are proud to be leading this investment, which will enable the team to accelerate development and ultimately to enhance the security of the UK and its NATO allies.”

Image source Mercia Asset Management