UK’s Newest Oberon Satellite Can Watch Wars Unfold In Real-Time – Here’s How

A versatile military satellite network called Oberon will soon be developed. To bring the Oberon satellite to life, the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) has called on Airbus via a £127 million contract. With Airbus being the newest partner onboard, the UK is avidly attempting to strengthen their reconnaissance and Earth monitoring capabilities. To do so, the two satellites will offer a more robust and reliable imagery capturing system from space.  

Airbus’ UK Chairman, Ben Bridge, commented: “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.”

MoD & Airbus: A Partnership To Improve Military Activities

Designed to support military personnel, the MoD outlined that the UK’s armed forces will soon have access to more detailed imagery. That is, when the two 400 kg Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites launch in 2027. Via the £127 million contract award, Airbus will also play a key role in the UK’s “Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities”, the MoD said. But where did the partnership begin? 

The MoD said Airbus acquired the contract through their “competitive procurement” policy. To construct Oberon, Airbus will use their facilities in Portsmouth and Stevenage as well as 200 highly-skilled engineers, scientists and professionals. Airbus said the other aspects of the satellites – including the “ground segment and geospatial intelligence capability” – will be crafted in their Guildford, Newcastle, Newport and Chippenham sites.

Oberon’s Job While In Orbit

Once operational, Oberon will capture key targets and provide Earth monitoring and disaster management capabilities via its “advanced imagery sensors”. For example, the two SAR satellites will be “monitoring adversary activities”. While orbital, Oberon can track possible military targets and interest areas without detection. The other aspect of Oberon’s role will be to monitor Earth and natural disasters. After the recent fires in California and seasonal natural phenomena in Australia, the UK is eager to strengthen their ability to respond to disasters. Especially with “the impact of climate change around the world”, Airbus said.  

The Beginning Of A UK MoD Satellite Constellation?

Oberon won’t be the only UK MoD satellite in orbit. In August 2024, UK Space Command launched Tyche, an ISR spacecraft. As the UK is working to proliferate its in-space assets, Oberon will soon join Tyche to support military operations.

Tyche has already yielded results after the satellite captured the wildfires in California. It also presented comprehensive imagery of Heathrow Airport and Sydney Australia. The MoD said: “[we’ve] demonstrate[d] Tyche’s ability to capture imagery from anywhere on earth when Defence needs it.”

Yet, these satellites aren’t the only three on the MoD’s bingo card. Under the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance program, known simply as ISTARI, the MoD is forecasting a satellite constellation will be designed, constructed and launched by 2031. Not to mention, ground system support will also be included in that package.

Promoting UK Development & SME Partnerships

Key terms were outlined in the contract, including a commitment to working in conjunction with UK-based small-to-medium sized space organisation. One of those organisations is Oxford Space Systems who will develop the antennas for Oberon. OSS gained attention for their carbon fibre structural design that can be easily deposited during launch. But once in orbit, the antennas will “spring into shape.” 

Airbus will also leverage a “wrapped rib design” in order to map Earth’s landscapes through radar pulses. Another aspect of the agreement is to design, build, launch and operate Oberon on UK soil.

Space Commander, Major General Paul Tedman, concluded: ”defence is… 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.”