Airbus awarded Oberon satellite contract

Slated to launch in 2027, the two Oberon satellites are expected to provide a greater operational capability to British and allied defence forces.

In a statement, 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.”

Airbus has worked with SMEs in Britain to deploy new technologies for the 400kg satellites. These include the antennas for the spacecraft that will be supplied by Oxford Space Systems. The company 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. The supporting satellite ground segment and geospatial intelligence capabilities will be developed at Airbus’ facilities in Guildford, Newcastle, Newport and Chippenham.

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."