Britain’s new Space Command HQ was launched yesterday to stop attacks on UK interests 60 miles above the earth.
The £1.4billion cost over 10 years adds a fourth dimension to the Armed Forces and will primarily guard against Russia and China.
Both countries are thought to have developed armed satellite systems as well as Israel and India.
British weapons manufacturers, along with defence boffins at QinetiQ, are developing the Dragonfire laser weapons to beat them from the ground or the skies.
The Ministry of Defence warned attacks on UK property in space could be devastating to Britain’s defence, economy and infrastructure. It unveiled the new command centre at RAF High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston presented the first eight personnel with new Space Operator badges.
Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin said: “It is vital we invest in space to ensure we maintain a battle-winning advantage.”
The launch comes as the Pentagon warned the world is moving closer to nuclear war with Russia and China.
North Korea is also said to have accelerated testing of missiles capable of reaching America's homeland.
And Iran has is believed to have the technology to create a nuclear weapon within a year.
The US has reportedly tried to negotiate reductions in nuclear weapons capabilities since since 2010.
But it has been unsuccessful at doing so and report suggested it had in fact done the opposite.
"Rather, they have moved decidedly in the opposite direction," says the report, released earlier this month which specifically mentions Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.
The Pentagon report says: "As a result, there is an increased potential for regional conflicts involving nuclear-armed adversaries in several parts of the world and the potential for adversary nuclear escalation in crisis or conflict."
The most serious threat to the United States are Russia and China because of the technology and weapons arsenals both of the countries already possess.