TAMPA, Fla. — British startup Shield Space plans to combine its autonomous satellite operations software with ClearSpace’s in-orbit servicing capabilities to address emerging orbital threats.

The startup signed a memorandum of understanding June 23 with ClearSpace’s British subsidiary to develop sovereign space defense capabilities for the United Kingdom and its allies, which they say are increasingly important as adversaries step up efforts to monitor, disrupt and potentially disable critical satellite infrastructure.

Founded in 2025, Shield Space is developing software designed to keep satellites operating autonomously even when communications with the ground are disrupted.