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The government has unveiled plans to explore new ground-based solutions to prevent disruption to activity in the space domain.
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton has announced the launch of Project 9358 — a new defence program aimed at exploring options for the procurement of a ground-based Space Electronic Warfare capability.
The project seeks to fill a capability gap identified in the2020 Defence Strategic Update, which outlined the need for assured access to the space domain to bolster the effectiveness of military operations.
Specifically, a Space Electronic Warfare capability would be used to detect and deter attempts to interfere with or attack efforts to leverage the space domain, in line with broader recommendations in the 2020 Force Structure Plan.
The capability is not expected to create debris or damage the space environment.
“Defence supports efforts to promote international norms, transparency and co-operation in upholding responsible behaviour in space," Minister Dutton stated following the announcement.
Defence will now consult with stakeholders to explore options for a Space Electronic Warfare capability before issuing recommendations for a decision by the government.
“This capability would help assure Australia’s continued access to space-based communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance,” Minister Dutton concluded.
Project 9358 joins the growing list of Defence’s space domain programs, which include the JP 9102 Australian Defence SATCOM System project.
JP 9102 aims to deliver a sovereign system designed to enable the joint command and control of deployed Joint Task Forces by leveraging communications technology with enhanced range and capability.
A number of major defence contractors have expressed interest in spearheading the program, including Airbus, Boeing Defense Australia, and Lockheed Martin Australia.
The JP 9102 tender is scheduled to close on 24 December.
[Related: Blacktree Technology joins Airbus-led JP 9102 team]
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