GMV has secured a contract from the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to develop advanced satellite launch monitoring algorithms to support the analytical capabilities of the UK’s National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC).
Announced in Nottingham on 3 March 2026, the project will focus on enhancing the UK’s Space Domain Awareness (SDA) by improving the detection, identification and characterisation of space launch events using data from multiple observational sources.
The work centres on the development and demonstration of data processing algorithms capable of analysing heterogeneous sensor inputs to detect launch activity and assess its characteristics. The aim is to enable more timely identification of changes to the space object catalogue and improve understanding of launch-related events in an increasingly congested and contested orbital environment.
Under the contract, GMV will deliver a proof-of-concept capability addressing two primary objectives.
The first involves characterising detected launch events and distinguishing between different types of launches. The algorithms will assess the intended trajectory and end state, including identifying the target region of space in potential anti-satellite (ASAT) activity, estimating potential impact regions on Earth in the case of ballistic missile launches, and determining the intended orbit for nominal space missions.
The second objective focuses on optimising the sensor network contributing to launch detection and assessment. This includes analysing how sensor coverage, geometry and data quality affect detection performance, and exploring methods to enhance outcomes through more effective fusion of heterogeneous sensor data.
The programme will address technical challenges including uncertainty management, sparse or non-cooperative observations, and scalable processing across multiple sensor types. The intention is to demonstrate both technical feasibility and operational value within NSpOC’s analytical workflows.
GMV brings established experience in Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST), Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and mission-critical systems. The company said its approach applies advanced algorithms to extract actionable insights from observational data, supporting catalogue integrity, event assessment and operational prioritisation.
Mark Dumville, director of GMV’s Aerospace sector in the UK, said the contract reflects the company’s growing role in supporting national space operations in an increasingly complex environment.
Angus Stewart, Joint Head of the National Space Operations Centre at UKSA, said the project forms part of efforts to strengthen the UK’s analytical capabilities as orbital activity increases. He noted that understanding launch behaviour is critical both for national security and for the long-term sustainability of the space environment.
The contract has been awarded under the UK Space Agency’s Contracts for Innovation programme, which supports rapid development of research and development solutions with potential future operational application. GMV’s work will concentrate on algorithm development, validation and assessment of integration pathways into existing NSpOC processes.
As global launch rates continue to rise and geopolitical tensions extend into the space domain, enhanced launch monitoring capabilities are increasingly viewed as central to maintaining resilience, safety and transparency in orbit.
