The United Kingdom has suspended the head of its Space Command, Air Vice Marshal James Thompson, amid an investigation into allegations involving theft and a serious sexual offence against an adult.
Thompson was suspended without prejudice as part of an ongoing investigation, according to a spokesperson for the Royal Air Force (RAF).
A spokesperson for the Defence Serious Crime Command on Wednesday confirmed that a serving RAF member had been arrested in connection with reports of theft and a serious sexual offence involving an adult.
The spokesperson said the investigation into the theft allegation had been completed and the case referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority, which will determine whether charges should be brought.
However, the investigation into the alleged serious sexual offence remains ongoing.
According to the command, “The investigation into the alleged serious sexual offence remains ongoing, and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Following Thompson’s suspension, the RAF said Air Commodore Darren Whiteley had been appointed interim commander of the organisation.
Whiteley assumed the role from Major General Paul Tedman, who announced his retirement in June.
The suspension comes as the UK continues to expand its military capabilities in space, with Space Command responsible for coordinating the country’s military space operations and capabilities.