Wing Commander Dave Black is currently Head of Satellite Coordination in UK Space Command, where he works across the MOD Space enterprise to manage satellite locations, orbits and access to spectrum.  He works with the MOD Spectrum Policy Team to manage the MOD’s regulatory interface to Ofcom and the International Telecommunications Union regarding satellite spectrum assignments, spectrum licensing and other terrestrial co-ordination issues.

Prior to UK Space Command Dave led the Skynet 6 Enduring Capability programme to specify and procure the UK MOD’s next generation of Narrowband and Wideband military communications satellites, consisting of a UHF free-flyer and a constellation of X and Mil-Ka Band satellites.  This role included the management of strategic risks to MOD SATCOM availability, orchestrating Space Wargaming activities to support Operational Analysis of future capability options, and technology development focussed on MILSATCOM to de-risk future requirements.

Previously, he was head of the Skynet Theatre Delivery Team, leading the MOD’s interface with Airbus under the Skynet PFI to deliver assured MILSATCOM services to UK MOD forces, Government entities and Allied Partners deployed around the World.  This role also included overseeing the delivery of a range of commercial SATCOM services, International fibre links and terminal equipment to end-users.  He has also led the UK’s participation in a number of US GLOBAL THUNDER exercises and participated in several Schriever Wargames, as well as evolving the MODs understanding of Space Weather effects and other environmental hazards to operating SATCOM services.

In other roles he assisted in the formation of the MOD’s Space Command and Space Directorate, was the lead in UK STRATCOM Jt User for Space and SATCOM matters and ran the Permanent Joint Headquarters J6 desk for the delivery of communications to worldwide and counter-terrorism operations.  Other posts have included Head of Engineering for the RAF’s deployable communications organization – 90 Signals Unit, ICT delivery roles at MOD Defence Digital, Commanding Officer of NATO Satellite Ground Station F4 Oakhanger and other deployable communications roles in the RAF.  He also led the RAF firefighter contingent deployed to Northern Ireland during national fire brigade strikes in the early 2000’s.

He has been a professional Communications and Electronics Engineer in the RAF for 27 years after graduating from the Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and a Postgraduate Diploma in Opto-Electronic Systems.  His other interests include playing Rugby (flanker), skiing (fast), riding motorbikes (not so fast) and photography.  He is also on the organizing committee for the Defence in Space Conference.