Space has been used for military purposes for decades, albeit limited to the deployment of non-offensive military systems such as communications, navigation, imaging and surveillance satellites. Several countries, including the UK have developed a comprehensive space-based military architecture to facilitate military activities on the ground.

 Space is also increasingly viewed as a military domain in its own right, as countries look to utilise space to enhance their own military capabilities and security.

In the last few years there has been considerable investment by several states, most notably Russia and China, in offensive counterspace capabilities that potentially threaten the use of space by the UK and its allies. The US has responded by calling for a rapid increase in the development of counterspace capability and the adoption of more aggressive space policies and postures.

Menwith Hill has a substantial capacity for communicating with different satellites many of which are there for military purposes.

Reference: House of Commons Report