Airbus has been awarded the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Oberon contract to design and build two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites with day-and-night, all-weather, space-based ‘Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance’ (ISR) capability. The two Oberon satellites will boast active, ultra-high resolution SAR, providing freedom of action to the UK MOD and a greater operational capability to British and allied defence forces.

Ben Bridge, Airbus Defence and Space UK Chairman, said: “Oberon’s satellites will give the UK a much-needed sovereign capability and greatly enhance its space surveillance and intelligence autonomy. Airbus in the UK has more than 45 years’ experience in the design and build of high-resolution radar satellites and, once in orbit, these spacecraft will play a vital role in keeping our Armed Forces safe around the world. Oberon will not only support Armed Forces personnel deployed globally, but also support highly skilled jobs, delivering on the government’s growth mission.”

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.  

Airbus has worked with SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) across the UK to leverage innovative new technologies for the 400kg satellites. The antennas for the spacecraft 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. The ‘wrapped rib’ design will transmit and receive the radar pulses that are used to map the surface of the Earth. 

The satellites will be designed, built and tested at Airbus’ space facilities in Stevenage and Portsmouth and secure scores of high-value jobs. The supporting satellite ground segment and geospatial intelligence capabilities will be developed at Airbus’ facilities in Guildford, Newcastle, Newport and Chippenham. The system is expected to launch in 2027 and will  contribute to UK information and decision superiority.

Paul Russell, Space team leader at the MOD’s procurement department, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), said: "This has been a superb team effort by members of DE&S, Space Command, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, as well as industry. With the award of the Oberon contract, we will deliver the next in a series of game-changing capabilities to UK Space Command, providing the UK military with leading space-based Synthetic Aperture Radar, whilst helping to keep our nation safe and prosperous. We are looking forward to working with Airbus as our mission partner to deliver this important capability together." 

As the UK’s largest Space company, Airbus makes a significant contribution to the delivery of the National Space Strategy, while supporting British SMEs across its supply chains. Oberon’s core-mission elements (payload, space and ground systems) will be designed, built and operated within the UK, as will the delivery of antennas and receivers, AIT facilities, image-data processing software, and sensors.

Click here to learn more about Airbus' Synthetic Aperture Radar Constellations