Airbus inks deal with UK for cutting-edge Oberon satellites
Airbus has signed a contract for Oberon satellites with the British Ministry of Defence. The company will design and build two units equipped with SAR radar, capable of providing "intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance" (ISR) services around the clock throughout the year.
The European company Airbus Defence and Space will construct two Oberon radar satellites for the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence (MOD). These units will be equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that will deliver ISR capabilities 24/7, unaffected by weather conditions, straight from space.
To support the operational capability of the UK Armed Forces
As reported by Airbus, the SAR radar, part of the satellites' equipment, will grant the British Ministry of Defence operational freedom and enhanced capabilities for the UK Armed Forces and its allies. Ben Bridge, Chairman of Airbus Defence and Space UK, highlighted in the company's statement that the Oberon satellites will provide essential autonomy.
Oberon satellites will protect the military from space
With over 45 years of experience in designing high-resolution radars, Airbus in the United Kingdom is set to play a pivotal role in safeguarding UK Armed Forces worldwide once these spacecraft are launched into orbit.
Maria Eagle, the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, noted that the contract for the Oberon satellites highlights the UK's dedication to developing one of the world's most advanced and attractive space economies. This effort aims to protect competitive advantages in space sciences and technologies. Oberon is intended to support both military personnel deployed globally and highly skilled jobs.
Airbus collaborated with small and medium-sized enterprises across the United Kingdom to incorporate innovative technologies into the 400-kilogram satellites. The antennas will be provided by Oxford Space Systems, which designed carbon fibre structures that fold into compact volumes for launch and expand upon entering orbit. This "packed" design will ensure the transmission and reception of radar pulses to map the Earth's surface.
Satellites will reach orbit in 2027
The design, construction, and testing of the satellites will take place at Airbus's space centres in Stevenage and Portsmouth. The satellite's ground segment and geointelligence capabilities will be developed at Airbus facilities in Guildford, Newcastle, Newport, and Chippenham. The Oberon satellites are set to reach orbit in 2027, contributing to the UK's information and decision-making advantage.
As the largest UK space company, Airbus plays a significant role in implementing the National Space Strategy and supporting UK small and medium-sized enterprises. Key components of the Oberon mission (payload, space, and ground systems) will be designed, built, and operated in the UK. This includes the delivery of antennas and receivers, assembly, integration, and test (AIT) equipment, image data processing software, and sensors.
