The United States and the United Kingdom have successfully completed their first-ever coordinated satellite maneuvers in orbit, a significant step in expanding allied cooperation in space. The operation, announced on September 18, involved a U.S. satellite closely approaching a U.K. spacecraft to perform an inspection, a procedure known as a rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO).
Conducted between September 4 and 12, 2025, these maneuvers are part of a broader strategy to protect critical space infrastructure and enhance defensive capabilities among partner nations. This event follows a similar bilateral operation between the U.S. and France earlier in the year, signaling a growing trend of joint space activities among Western allies.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. and U.K. space commands executed their first joint rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) from September 4-12, 2025.
- The operation involved a U.S. satellite maneuvering close to a U.K. spacecraft for inspection and monitoring.
- This exercise is part of the U.S.-led Operation Olympic Defender, a multinational coalition for space defense.
- The maneuvers aim to improve interoperability and deter potential adversaries in the increasingly contested space domain.
A New Level of Allied Space Cooperation
The joint exercise marks a milestone for both nations, particularly for the U.K.'s recently established space command. The operation involved the precise and controlled movement of a U.S. satellite to get within close range of a British counterpart, allowing for detailed observation and status validation. While specific details about the spacecraft involved were not released, officials emphasized the technical success and strategic importance of the mission.
Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman, the commander of U.K. Space Command, highlighted the achievement for his organization. He stated that the operation demonstrated a significant leap forward in the U.K.'s operational capacity in space.
"This operation was a first of its kind for U.K. Space Command and represents a significant increase in operational capability," said Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman.
These exercises are critical for building trust and refining procedures between allied forces. By practicing these complex maneuvers, nations can ensure their systems and teams can work together seamlessly during a potential crisis.
Understanding Rendezvous and Proximity Operations
Rendezvous and proximity operations, or RPOs, are a sophisticated type of space maneuver where two or more spacecraft are intentionally flown close to each other. These operations require extremely precise navigation and control to avoid collisions while achieving the mission's objectives.
What is an RPO?
An RPO can serve several purposes. Historically, they have been used for docking spacecraft, such as with the International Space Station. In a defense context, they are used for surveillance, inspection, and potentially servicing or repairing friendly satellites. The ability to safely approach another object in orbit is a foundational capability for advanced space operations.
The recent U.S.-U.K. operation focused on inspection and monitoring. This capability allows a nation to verify the health and status of its own satellites or to observe other objects in orbit. As space becomes more crowded and contested, the ability to identify and characterize objects becomes increasingly vital for situational awareness.
The Role of Operation Olympic Defender
This joint maneuver was conducted under the framework of Operation Olympic Defender, a multinational effort led by the United States. Established in 2019, the initiative aims to strengthen deterrence against hostile actions in space and enhance the collective defense of allied space systems.
The creation of Olympic Defender was a direct response to growing concerns over the development of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons by nations like Russia and China. These weapons pose a direct threat to the satellites that provide critical services for communication, navigation, and national security.
Olympic Defender Coalition
The coalition has grown to include seven member nations dedicated to cooperative space defense. The members are:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- New Zealand
Through this coalition, member nations share intelligence, conduct joint training exercises, and coordinate their operations to present a unified front. According to U.S. Space Command, these partnerships are essential for maintaining stability in space. Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, a senior U.S. space commander, emphasized the importance of this interoperability.
"This coordinated maneuver between two allies validated the interoperability that’s foundational to our collective defense," stated Lt. Gen. Schiess.
A Broader Strategy for Space Security
The operation with the United Kingdom is a key part of the U.S. Space Force's 2025 International Partnership Strategy. This strategy explicitly calls for more coalition-based missions to build a robust, collective space defense posture. Earlier in 2025, U.S. Space Command and the French Space Command performed a similar RPO, which involved U.S. and French satellites maneuvering near each other and a third-party object.
These repeated exercises with different allies demonstrate a clear pattern. The United States is actively working to build a network of partners capable of conducting complex, coordinated operations in orbit. This approach not only enhances technical capabilities but also sends a strong deterrent message to potential adversaries.
Gen. Stephen Whiting, the commander of U.S. Space Command, has stressed that practicing these joint RPOs is crucial. He noted that such activities enhance coalition space security, improve the seamless operation of allied assets, and ultimately strengthen deterrence in what is now considered a warfighting domain.
As more nations develop advanced space capabilities, these types of collaborative defensive exercises are expected to become more frequent. They represent a proactive effort to establish norms of responsible behavior and ensure the long-term security and stability of the space environment for all.