The space domain is rapidly changing as more countries and private companies have a presence in orbit and beyond. The UK already has over 90 registered objects in space, and this will continue to grow.
The establishment of UK Space Command is a crucial step in the development of a strategy to operate in space and protect UK interests.
UK Space Command is a joint command staffed by the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, civil servants, and commercial partners.
The iconic Boeing CH-47 Chinook entered RAF service on the 22nd November 1980. It has served in every major conflict since The Falklands as a battlefield helicopter, a troop carrier and a flying hospital. It has provided an immeasurable contribution to civilians from The Lebanon to Whaley Bridge.
Across the world countless people owe their lives to this much loved helicopter.
The Royal Air Force Museum is saddened by the news that Squadron Leader Lawrence ‘Benny’ Goodman has died at the age of 100. Benny enjoyed a distinguished RAF career as a wartime bomber pilot with No. 617 Squadron, the celebrated ‘Dambusters.’ When ‘Jewish Hidden Heroes’ was launched in 2018, Benny supported it energetically, sharing his remarkable story at a special event at the RAF Museum that November. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of the RAF Museum’s partnership with Chelsea FC and of their campaign to challenge anti-Semitism and racism through education.
It is difficult to think of any aspect of life which hasn’t been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Since we first went into lockdown in March familiar routines of home, work, school and social life have been disrupted. Some will have found the experience traumatic, others will have been inspired by a sense of togetherness. Some will have had to cope with the personal tragedy of losing friends and relatives. But all of us have had to make changes.
The RAF has approached the pandemic with the pragmatism and dedication to duty you would expect.
We have been talking to RAF personnel to learn how the pandemic has affected them individually, how it has affected the institution and how the RAF has supported communities during this crisis.