AVM Paul Godfrey Reflects on 3 Years of Space Command
It has been three years since the launch of the UK’s Space Command, a branch of the British Armed Forces dedicated to space operations. In a recent interview at SpaceComm 2024, UK Space Commander AVM Paul Godfrey shared his reflections on leading Space Command and highlighted the importance of space technologies in our daily lives.
The decision to establish Space Command was driven by the recognition of the crucial role that space technologies play in managing essential systems on Earth, such as GPS, wifi, and military tracking and reconnaissance systems. Additionally, the increasing security challenges associated with space necessitated the formation of a dedicated branch within the military.
AVM Paul Godfrey acknowledged that the operationalization of space as a domain had caught many by surprise. In the past, defense in space was primarily left to the United States. However, since NATO declared space as the fifth operational domain in 2019, allied countries have collaborated to define and establish the role of Space Command.
Godfrey emphasized the importance of working together and going in the right direction to ensure the safety, security, and sustainability of space. He expressed his vision to make space a protected domain for future generations.
During his address at SpaceComm 2024, AVM Paul Godfrey highlighted the lack of awareness among audiences about the critical role of space in our way of life. He revealed that space supports 18% of the UK’s GDP, contributing £70 billion annually. He referred to a report that estimated the cost of losing positioning navigation and timing (PNT) signals for just one week to be over £5 billion. This loss would affect various technologies on Earth, such as cash machines, credit cards, and traffic lights synchronized by satellite technologies.
Godfrey suggested that space has a public relations problem, as people are unaware of how crucial it is to their daily lives. He emphasized the fragility of day-to-day operations and the need to protect assets in space.
As the first Space Commander of the UK, AVM Godfrey played a crucial role in establishing Space Command. He recognized space as the highest ground, enabling global communications and supporting various military operations. After leading Space Command for its inaugural years, Godfrey will step down from his position in May 2024 to take on the role of Director Capability at Strategic Command.
Looking back on the achievements of UK Space Command, AVM Paul Godfrey highlighted its startup vibe and rapid growth. From six initial staffers, Space Command now boasts over 600 personnel. The main priorities of Space Command have been to provide unified leadership within Defense, establish and maintain defense space operations, develop new space capabilities, and lead training and education in the space domain.
Over the first three years, Space Command focused on forming the command, developing processes and procedures, and achieving full operationalization. It built relationships with allies and partners, understood threats to systems, and integrated further with other nations.
Brigadier Paul Tedman will take over as the new head of UK Space Command from May 16, 2024. AVM Godfrey expressed his satisfaction with the progress made during his tenure, stating that he has laid a solid foundation for future growth and development in space operations.
In conclusion, AVM Paul Godfrey’s reflections on three years of Space Command shed light on the importance of space technologies in our daily lives and the need to protect assets in space. The establishment of Space Command has allowed the UK to have a dedicated branch within its armed forces to address the challenges and opportunities presented by space. With a strong foundation in place, Space Command is poised to continue its growth and development under new leadership.
