The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Airbus the Oberon satellite contract, a project to develop two synthetic aperture radar ( SAR ) satellites with advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance ( ISR ) capabilities. These spacecraft will operate day and night in all weather conditions, providing a strategic advantage for British defence and its allies.
Oberon satellites and their advanced security technology
The satellites will be equipped with ultra-high resolution SAR systems , allowing detailed monitoring of the Earth’s surface in real time. This technology will strengthen the UK’s sovereign capacity in space surveillance, optimising its autonomy in defence and security operations.
The Oberon satellites will provide the UK with a much-needed sovereign capability and greatly enhance its autonomy in space surveillance and intelligence. Airbus in the UK has over 45 years’ experience in designing and building high-resolution radar satellites and, once in orbit, these spacecraft will play a vital role in keeping our Armed Forces safe around the world.
Ben Bridge, President of Airbus Defense and Space UK.
The contract aims to strengthen the UK space industry ecosystem. Airbus will work with a number of UK SMEs to integrate innovations into satellites, including Oxford Space Systems, which will supply compactable carbon fibre antennas for deployment in orbit.
The contract for Oberon demonstrates the UK’s commitment to growing one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world and maintaining our competitive advantage in space science and technology.
Maria Eagle, Minister for Defence, Procurement and Industry.
The satellites will be designed, manufactured and tested at Airbus facilities in Stevenage and Portsmouth, with the ground segment and geospatial intelligence capabilities being developed at the company’s sites in Guildford, Newcastle, Newport and Chippenham.
The Oberon system is scheduled for launch in 2027, when it will begin providing data for strategic defence decision-making. Paul Russell, Space Team Leader for MOD Procurement, highlighted the collaboration between Space Command, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory ( Dstl ) and industry as a key factor in the success of the project.
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Source and photos: Airbus
