Airbus secures bid to build ultra-high resolution satellites for UK Ministry of Defense

Airbus has secured an Oberon contract to design and build two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites for the UK ministry of defense.

According to a press release on 10 February, the two satellites will be armed with day-and-night, all-weather, space-based ‘Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance’ (ISR) capability.

Increasing space autonomy

The satellites with active, ultra-high resolution SAR, will provide greater operational capability to British and allied defence forces.

According to Airbus Defense and Space UK Chairman Ben Bridge, Oberon’s satellites will give the UK a much-needed surveillance capability and increase the safety of UK forces.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said: 

“The contract for Oberon shows the UK’s commitment to grow one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world and keep our competitive edge in space science and technology.  Oberon will not only support Armed Forces personnel deployed globally, but also support highly skilled jobs, delivering on the government’s growth mission.” 

The antennas for the 400 kg satellites will be supplied by Oxford Space Systems, which has developed carbon fibre structures that stow away in very small volumes for launch but deploy into shape once in orbit. 

Furthermore, design, building, and testing of the spacecraft will be done at Airbus’ space facilities in Stevenage and Portsmouth and will provide many high-value jobs, which is one of the UK’s priorities. 

However, the supporting satellite ground segment and geospatial intelligence capabilities will be developed at Airbus’ facilities in Guildford, Newcastle, Newport and Chippenham. 

According to the press release, the system is expected to launch in 2027 and will  contribute to UK information and decision superiority.

Airbus is a key partner

Airbus is the UK’s largest Space company, and also a major contributor to the National Space Strategy. 

Through the space giant, Oberon’s core-mission elements (payload, space and ground systems) as well as other components will be designed, built and operated within the UK.

The UK has already invested significantly towards boosting satellite communications, which is a part of the country’s bigger strategy of building space strategies.