A first-of-its-kind civilian exchange is now underway between U.S. Space
Systems Command and UK Space Command, marking a new phase in the two
nations’ growing space partnership. Tara Browne, Deputy Division Chief
for Strategy & Plans at Space Systems Command, has arrived in the UK
to begin her year-long post embedded with UK Space Command....
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#^First Civilian Space Exchange Deepens U.S.-UK CollaborationA first-of-its-kind civilian exchange is now underway between U.S. Space Systems Command and UK Space Command, marking a new phase in the two nations’ growing
space partnership.
Tara Browne, Deputy Division Chief for Strategy & Plans at Space Systems Command, has arrived in the UK to begin her year-long post embedded with UK Space Command. Her role will focus on integrating allied Space Enterprise Architecture, essentially the digital and operational backbone of national space capability between the UK, U.S., and other allied forces. The assignment is the result of a wider effort launched in 2024 through the Administrative and Professional Exchange Program (APEP), part of the U.S. Defence Personnel Exchange Programme. Until now, APEP has largely focused on cross-border knowledge sharing in administrative roles. This is the first time it’s been applied directly to space infrastructure collaboration.
Architecture Meets Strategy
Browne’s presence is intended to help align the
UK’s evolving space enterprise with established U.S. and allied systems. That alignment has become increasingly critical as both nations pursue more integrated and resilient military space capabilities.
“This exchange is a ground-level effort to improve how our architectures connect and operate together,” Browne said. “It’s also a signal of how seriously both countries are taking partnership in the space domain.”
The agreement was signed in late 2024, following close cooperation between the U.S. Department of the Air Force, UK Ministry of Defence, and both nations’ space commands.
Major General Paul Tedman, Commander of UK Space Command, welcomed the collaboration: “These exchanges build trust, improve interoperability, and help align our technical strategies. Our people are our best asset programmes like this keep us moving together in the right direction.”
Building on Existing Ties
The civilian exchange follows earlier joint moves, including RAF Air Marshal Paul Godfrey’s high-profile posting to the U.S. Space Force in 2023. He took up a role at the Pentagon as Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships.
While military exchanges are now routine between the two countries, this marks a shift toward wider integration at the technical and strategic planning levels, well beyond the command chain. Space Systems Command oversees a
$15.6 billion annual budget and leads on developing the satellites, systems, and architecture behind U.S. military space operations. UK Space Command, based at RAF High Wycombe, runs space operations and capability for the Ministry of Defence, with personnel drawn from across the armed forces, civil service, and international partners.
These actions from the UK and US governments appear to be yet another acknowledgement of how vital space is becoming in military operations, and the importance of having a special relationship that goes beyond high-level diplomatic talks to also include functional compatibility on space defense.
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First Civilian Space Exchange Deepens U.S.-UK Collaboration appeared first on
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