Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • SEOSAT/Ingenio ready for testing

Space

SEOSAT/Ingenio ready for testing

Airbus built SEOSAT/Ingenio, the first Earth observation satellite for the European Space Agency (ESA) and Spanish government has left Madrid and is ready for final testing.


Copyright Airbus

 
The spacecraft will now start a three month environmental test campaign which includes the Thermal Balance and Vacuum test, followed by Mechanical Vibration, Acoustic and Electromagnetic Compatibility testing. Fifty engineers and technicians from Airbus Spain will carry out all the different tests at Airbus in Toulouse.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 
SEOSAT/Ingenio will be transported back to the Madrid-Barajas site in mid-September where the last functional tests will be carried out. The compatibility with the ground segment and the launcher will also be verified. Once these are complete, the Qualification Acceptance Review will take place, which is the final ESA milestone and the satellite will be ready to be launched.
 
Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

The launch is scheduled for the first half of 2020 onboard a Vega launcher from Kourou, French Guiana.
 
Once in orbit, SEOSAT/Ingenio will complete Spain’s Earth observation system, complemented by the PAZ satellite already in orbit since February 2018. Together, they will provide combined radar and optical images.

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Airbus demonstrator to test global 5G connectivity in orbit

Space

Airbus demonstrator to test global 5G connectivity in orbit

14 January 2026

Airbus UpNext has launched a new demonstrator called Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN (Space Radio Access Network) - aimed at enabling standardised global connectivity by exploring advanced 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities - working with consortium partners including Southampton based AccelerComm.

ODU Connectors showcasing AMC solutions at SDSC-UK

Aerospace Defence Security Space Events

ODU Connectors showcasing AMC solutions at SDSC-UK

13 January 2026

ODU Connectors will be displaying all of their current AMC (Advanced Military Connectors) at the Specialist Defence and Security Convention-UK (SDSC-UK), taking place 3rd-5th February at the NEC Birmingham, which will include a couple of new items aimed specifically at rugged, embedded systems in the military and aerospace market.

ESA and ClearSpace initiate PRELUDE

Space

ESA and ClearSpace initiate PRELUDE

13 January 2026

The European Space Agency (ESA) and ClearSpace have initiated the PRELUDE mission which marks a transformative milestone for European space operations, serving as a pivotal step in validating critical technologies for in-orbit life extension and active debris removal (ADR).

NI SPACE launches Space Ready Programme

Space

NI SPACE launches Space Ready Programme

12 January 2026

NI SPACE is spearheading efforts to position Northern Ireland companies at the forefront of the UK's burgeoning space sector, through the launch and delivery of the NI Space Ready Programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Airbus awarded Eutelsat contract for 340 OneWeb LEO satellites

Space

Airbus awarded Eutelsat contract for 340 OneWeb LEO satellites

12 January 2026

Airbus Defence and Space has been awarded a contract by Eutelsat to build a further 340 OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

SSTL and Oxford Space Systems confirm launch of CarbSAR IOD Satellite

Space

SSTL and Oxford Space Systems confirm launch of CarbSAR IOD Satellite

12 January 2026

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and Oxford Space Systems (OSS) have announced the launch of CarbSAR IOD, SSTL’s latest Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology demonstration satellite incorporating Oxford Space Systems’ Wrapped Rib Antenna, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket operated by SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB