As geopolitical threats from China, Russia, and North Korea intensify, space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) has become a mission-critical capability for defence and intelligence communities. Where traditional multi-year satellite development cycles are no longer viable in a security environment where strategic advantage depends on near-real-time intelligence and rapid decision-making.

This panel explores how the UK and its allies, particularly in Europe, can accelerate the rapid deployment of sovereign, high-performance ISR assets from space, and moving concept to orbit in months, not years. Panellists will examine how commercial NewSpace innovation can be leveraged, ideas to overcome procurement and acquisition barriers, and integrate modular satellite architectures. In addition, discussions will explore the latest in AI-powered analytics, and scalable ground systems as well as the practical pathways to accelerate ISR capabilities tailored to respond to emerging threats with pace, precision, and confidence.