Shield Space joins Space Park Leicester as satellite security work expands

Shield Space has joined the cluster of businesses based at Space Park Leicester as the company expands its work in satellite security and defence systems.

The company, which focuses on protecting satellites from jamming, interference and attacks in orbit, secured £2m in funding earlier this year to support further development of its technology.

Shield Space formally launched its presence at the Leicester facility during an event held on 13 May at the University of Leicester’s £100m research, teaching and innovation centre.

Earlier this year, the company also announced a partnership with EnduroSat to support rapid-response space defence missions. The collaboration includes plans to deploy a CubeSat in 2027 capable of manoeuvring near other satellites for inspection purposes.

Graeme Ritchie, co-founder and chief executive of Shield Space, said the business was “delighted to be joining Space Park Leicester at an exciting time for Shield Space” and highlighted its focus on “developing space control and counterspace capabilities for NATO and its allies”.

Alongside its satellite defence activities, the company is also developing proposals for a National Space Security Centre intended to support secure integration, testing and validation of space systems within the UK. The proposed facility would support organisations working on space control and defence technologies, including mission rehearsal, autonomy testing and sensing system validation.

Vinay Patel, head of commercial and innovation at Space Park Leicester, said the organisation aimed to “push the boundaries of space exploration, satellite technology and Earth observation to benefit society and the economy” and welcomed Shield Space to its “collaborative community”.

Shield Space’s leadership team also includes Dr Daniel Molland, co-founder and chief technology officer, who has previously worked on missions including SpaceX CRS-20, SpaceX CRS-26 and Cygnus NG-18.

Image source: Leicester University