Thursday, December 9, 2021

MPs hear from British Astronaut Major Tim Peake on Space Defence

On 14 December, at 14.30, the Defence Committee will hear from British Astronaut Major Tim Peake, and US space defence policy expert Justin T. Johnson, as its inquiry on Space Defence continues.

Likely areas of questioning

The session will hear from the two witnesses separately, beginning with Major Peake. MPs are likely to seek his views around the UK space sector, including on the UK Government’s National Space Strategy and addressing skills gaps in the workforce;

and will also explore the implications of the increasing militarisation of space for attempts to promote international co-operation and establish a consensus on norms and behaviours in the domain.

The Committee is likely to ask Mr Johnson to provide the US perspective on space defence, including the current threat landscape, strategies for deepened co-operation between allies, and lessons for the UK from the establishment of the United States Space Force.

Following his 17-year service in the British Army Air Corps, Major Peake was the first British astronaut of the European Space Agency (ESA) to visit the International Space Station. He works with the United Kingdom Space Agency (UKSA) and the UK Government on their space, education and outreach programmes.

Justin T. Johnson is Senior Vice President and Deputy Head of Strategy at aerospace company Meta Aerospace in Washington. He previously served in the Pentagon where he performed the duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy and was Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense.

Witnesses

Tuesday 14 December 2021

At 14:30:

  • Major Tim Peake CMG, Astronaut, European Space Agency (ESA)

15.30:

  • Justin T. Johnson, Senior Vice President, Meta Aerospace

Further information

Image: Unsplash

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