UK Space Agency - Operational Support to the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters

Overview

The International Charter: Space and Major Disasters (“the Charter”) is a global agreement which aims to provide a unified system of space data acquisition and delivery to those affected by natural or man-made disasters. It provides and enables transmission of earth observation satellite data and pre-authorised resilience/emergency response bodies in response to “activations”. Further details on the Charter can be found at https://disasterscharter.org/ Unlike many space faring nations in the Charter, the UK Government does not own or operate its own national EO satellite system assets. The UK Government therefore fulfils its Charter commitments through partnership with the UK EO commercial sector. This procurement seeks to maintain and strengthen that model by securing operational support from an organisation with UK licensed and operated EO satellite data assets that can be contributed to Charter activations. The continued participation of UK EO commercial satellite operators in the Charter delivers both public benefit and strategic value by showcasing sovereign EO capabilities, supporting international disaster response and demonstrating operational utility of UK-developed EO missions. The Contracting Authority is intending to launch this requirement by the 9th of October - prospective bidders should note it may launch earlier at the Contracting Authority's discretion: all dates provided are estimates at this stage.