The UK Space Agency is preparing to procure operational support from a UK commercial Earth observation satellite operator for the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters. The planned procurement notice estimates the value of the contract around half a million pounds.
Why the UK is seeking commercial support?
The Charter coordinates satellite data for authorities responding to major natural and human-made disasters. When it is activated, satellite operators, on-call teams and mapping specialists work together to deliver information that can guide the response. The service makes data available to authorised users at no cost.
The notice says the UK Government does not own or operate a national EO satellite system. It fulfils its Charter commitments through the UK commercial EO sector and wants to maintain that model by securing support from an organisation with UK-licensed and operated EO satellite data assets that can be contributed to activations.
For a satellite operator, participation means being able to supply usable data when a disaster occurs alongside the operational readiness and coordination needed to support an international response. It also offers a way to demonstrate the utility of UK-developed missions in demanding real-world conditions.
What the notice says about the opportunity
This is a planned procurement notice, not the tender itself. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (the UK Space Agency works within this department), estimates that the tender notice will be published by 9th October 2026 but says that it may appear earlier. The notice currently says that 11th November 2026 will be the tender deadline with an estimated award decision date of 18th December. It says all dates are estimates at this stage, so prospective bidders should check the live notice and subsequent tender documents.
The proposed contract would run from 5 January 2027 to 31 March 2029, with a possible 12-month extension to 31 March 2030. The authority may also commission optional technical work packages during the contract. The notice identifies an open procedure and says the opportunity is particularly suitable for SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises.
The requirement is specific about UK-licensed and operated satellite data assets. Companies offering analytics, ground services or emergency mapping should therefore examine the eventual tender carefully to understand whether there is a role for them within a bid or delivery team. The detailed service obligations, evaluation criteria and any treatment of optional work will need to be confirmed in the tender documents.
Satellite data can only support disaster response if tasking, delivery and coordination work quickly when an activation arrives. The forthcoming tender should show how the UK intends to sustain that capability through its commercial EO sector.
Sources: Find a Tender notice 2026/S 000-088389, published 17 September 2026;