Subscribe Now FREE

Airbus to develop ultra-high-resolution satellite tech for MoD

Posted 12 September 2019 · Add Comment

Airbus has won a design study from the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to develop the technologies for a cluster of ultra-high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Above: Artist's impression 2 of an Oberon project spacecraft cluster.
Copyright Airbus

The satellites will also have the ability to collect radio frequency (RF) signals.

Called 'Oberon' the project will see Airbus develop the technologies that could lead to an in-orbit demonstration in 2022 and potentially an operational capability as early as 2025. The innovative techniques and technologies developed within the project will allow the ground to be seen in outstanding detail regardless of darkness, or of cloudy weather conditions.

Colin Paynter, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space UK said: “Project Oberon builds on Airbus’ expertise in space radar technology developed over 40 years. I look forward to seeing this study leading to a new world-class surveillance capability for the UK MOD, helping to protect our armed forces across the world.”

Gary Aitkenhead, Chief Executive of Dstl, said: “This addition to our capability is a valuable part of the future of Defence Space. Partnership between Dstl and Airbus on this project secures UK jobs as well as continuing to exploit advances in the UK space sector.”

Oberon follows the success of the SAR satellite, NovaSAR, designed and developed by Airbus and SSTL, which was launched in September 2018. Since NovaSAR was conceived, Dstl and Airbus have made significant leaps in technology, allowing the Oberon system to achieve high performance from a small and compact satellite system.

* required field

Post a comment

IBA forecasts strong headwinds for aviation in 2020

The global aviation marketplace will encounter a wide range of challenges in 2020, according to Leatherhead based independent aviation consultant IBA, which released its 2020 Market Update today.

BAE Systems and Renishaw to collaborate on 3D printing

BAE Systems has signed an agreement to work with Renishaw to work together on the development of additive manufacturing (AM) capability (i.e. 3D printing) for the defence and aerospace sector, designed to help improve performance,

Celestia acquires Antwerp Space NV Ground Segment Division

Celestia Technologies Group has acquired the satellite ground systems division of Antwerp Space, part of the Bremen-based OHB SE Group, in a deal that will boost Celestia’s existing expertise in EGSE and ground systems.

BAE Systems to acquire Collins Aerospace’s Military GPS and Raytheon’s Radios businesses

BAE Systems plc announced today that it has entered into a definitive Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire Collins Aerospace’s Military Global Positioning System business (GPS business) for $1.925 billion in cash and Raytheon’s

Tyron Runflat presenting paper at IAV 2020 conference

Tyron Runflat Ltd's Director Peter Simson, will be presenting a paper on the development of runflat technology at the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2020 conference in London tomorrow.

Rethinking aerospace and defence data management

Graham McCall, Vice President Operations UK, Aras, tells us why the aerospace and defence sectors need to rethink their approach to data management.

See us at

Google+

The views expressed are not necessarily those of ADS or its members. No responsibility or liability is accepted by ADS, the editorial team or the publisher for any loss occasioned to any person, legal or physical, acting or refraining from action as a result of any statement, fact, figure, expression of opinion or belief contained within this site.