BAE Acquires In-Space Missions To Have Satellite-Based Technology Capability

JAKARTA - British defense firm BAE Systems has high hopes for its space business after it acquired UK-based In-Space Missions on Tuesday, September 14. This acquisition gives them the ability to design, launch and operate a complete satellite.

"This (space) is going to be a huge opportunity for us," Chief Executive Charles Woodburn told Reuters on the sidelines of a defense trade show.

BAE already works for the space agency and provides aerospace products, primarily through its US-based business. Adding In-Space to the company's lineup gives them new satellite capabilities that could be key to future defense missions.

Woodburn said In-Space's low-earth orbit satellite technology was a new technology for the group. In the coming years BAE hopes to offer satellite-based surveillance and enhancement technologies to their military customers.

"The idea of having special space capabilities similar to Carrier Strike 10, which last year you couldn't dream of, can now become a possibility," he said, referring to Britain's aircraft carriers and naval submarines that will be upgrading.

Chief Technology Officer Ben Hudson said BAE had further plans to expand its space capabilities after reaching an agreement with satellite company In-Space.

"We are working on other things, both internally within the company and also potentially working with our customers," he said.

For military customers, having the supporting infrastructure capabilities offered by space technology means being able to connect all of their operations in the air, sea, land and cyberspace. This is of course very popular.

"We are seeing real interest from the UK Ministry of Defence, and our global customers, in Australia, in the Middle East and in the Americas, in more space-based capabilities," Hudson said.

The British government signaled its support for the deal. "This acquisition represents a great confidence in our rapidly growing space sector," Science Minister Amanda Solloway said in a statement.

"By bringing its Space Mission expertise, BAE Systems will help expand the UK's capabilities in low-Earth orbit satellites, creating valuable export opportunities while keeping the country at the forefront of a new commercial space era," added Solloway.

In-Space is a company based in southern England with around 30 employees. The acquisition price was not disclosed but said it would not weigh on the BAE group's finances.