Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will set out whether future defence satellites will be required to be refuelled.

In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing was one of four prioritised sub-sectors in the UK's National Space Strategy. As part of our Defence Investment Plan the life extension of the in-service SKYNET 5 military communications satellites, would utilise ISAM technologies. The Ministry of Defence continues to consider the potential benefits of emerging in-orbit servicing technologies, including satellite refuelling, which could enhance the resilience, flexibility and operational life of Defence space capabilities. Any requirement for future Defence satellites to be capable of refuelling would be considered on a capability-by-capability basis, taking account of operational requirements, technological maturity and value for money.