Armed forces personnel will have access to the latest space-based
imagery for military operations, following a deal signed for a
new satellite system, named Oberon.
The £127 million deal with Airbus will support around 200 skilled
jobs in Stevenage and Portsmouth, boosting the UK's space
capabilities and delivering on the Government's Plan for
Change.
The Oberon satellite system, made up of two Synthetic Aperture
Radar (SAR) satellites, will be able to capture day and
night-time images of the Earth's surface, strengthening the UK's
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
capabilities. Expected to launch in 2027, Oberon will have
advanced imagery sensors, building on the capabilities of Tyche,
UK Space Command's first satellite which successfully launched in
August last year.
The deal comes as UK Space Command has published the first images
captured by Tyche. The images of Heathrow Airport, Sydney,
Washington DC, and the California wildfires, demonstrate Tyche's
ability to capture imagery from anywhere on earth when Defence
needs it.
Both satellites form part of the Ministry of Defence's
space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
programme, known as ISTARI, which will deliver a constellation of
satellites and supporting ground systems by
2031.
These satellites will support military operations, for example by
monitoring adversary activities, and contribute to other
government tasks, including natural disaster monitoring, the
development of mapping information, and tracking the impact of
climate change around the world.
UK Space Commander, Major General Paul Tedman
said:
“Through UK Space Command, defence is partnering with industry
and continuing to invest in advanced and innovative space
technologies.
“Oberon, alongside Tyche and other satellites in our ISTARI
constellation, will allow us to observe what's happening on Earth
from space at any time and through any weather. This will enable
and enhance UK and allied military operations around the
world.”
The contract for Oberon was awarded via competitive procurement
to Airbus, which worked with 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 spring into shape once in orbit.
Oberon will play a key part in securing critical UK skills in the
growing global space sector. The aerospace sector added almost
£40 billion to the economy last year, a growth of 50% in the last
10 years, and employs tens of thousands of people. The project
will also help inform the procurement strategy for future space
capability requirements.
Space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance offers
unparalleled earth observation, operating over any part of the
globe. Constellations of ISR satellites can use different sensors
and cameras, allowing focus to move quickly from one area of the
world to another. In contrast to conventional cameras, Oberon
will use Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to capture imagery in
all-weather conditions.
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 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.”
Paul Russell, Space team leader at DE&S
said:
"This has been a superb team effort by members of DE&S, Space
Command, DSTL and industry.
With the award of the Oberon contract, we will deliver the next
in a series 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 forwards to working with Airbus as our Mission
Partner to deliver this important capability together."
NOTES TO EDITORS
- The Oberon satellites will be designed, built and tested at
Airbus' space facilities in Stevenage and Portsmouth, securing
high-value jobs. The supporting satellite ground segment will be
developed at Airbus' facilities in Guildford, Newcastle, Newport
and Chippenham.
