DSEI 2021: BAE Systems announces acquisition of In-Space Missions

BAE Systems announced on 14 September that it was acquiring UK-based space systems company In-Space Missions.

In-Space Missions develops a range of low Earth orbit satellites for commercial and defence purposes, with the company's Faraday Service allowing service and technology demonstration to take place on cube satellite and microsatellite platforms. The service allows for hosting multiple services and processes on a single platform, with customers contracting usage of the platform resources that can include high-resolution imagery and low-latency communications.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, with company officials telling Janes that the acquisition was not material to the company's financial results. The company will retain its own branding and name, but report into BAE Systems Applied Intelligence.

According to Julian Cracknell, managing director of BAE Systems Applied Intelligence, “It is clear that space is going to be an increasingly important part of the economy, and also of our future. The UK government will shortly announce a combined space strategy that combines both commercial elements and defence on bringing those together. And that's why I think it is really important and great that we have In-Space Missions joining the team.”