Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellites for UK Defense

June 1, 2025

Airbus Defense
London, UK
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Airbus has been awarded the U.K. Ministry of Defense’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 U.K. MoD and a greater operational capability to British and allied defense forces.

Minister for Defense Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle commenting on the contract award, 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.”

Airbus has worked with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the U.K. to leverage innovative new technologies for the 400 kg satellites. The antennas for the spacecraft will be supplied by Oxford Space Systems, which has developed carbon fiber 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’ U.K.-based space facilities, including Stevenage and Portsmouth. 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 U.K. information and decision superiority.

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