Oberon Satellite: UK’s New Military Surveillance Capability
The UK Ministry of Defence has recently awarded a contract to Airbus for the design and construction of two Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites. This advanced satellite network, named “Oberon,” will serve as a pivotal component of the military’s space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. With a budget of 127 million pounds (approximately $158 million), the Oberon satellites are being developed to operate effectively under all weather conditions, ensuring continuous high-resolution imagery collection for the British Armed Forces and their allies.
Anticipated to be operational by 2026, the satellites are set to launch the following year. The project will be overseen from Airbus facilities located in Stevenage and Portsmouth, where it is projected to create over 200 local jobs. Additionally, ground components and related geospatial solutions will be manufactured at various Airbus sites, including Chippenham, Guildford, Newcastle, and Newport.
Enhancing UK’s Sovereign Capabilities
Ben Bridge, Chairman of Airbus Defence and Space UK, emphasized the significance of the Oberon project, stating that it will provide the UK with a vital sovereign capability. This initiative is expected to greatly enhance the nation’s space surveillance and intelligence independence. With more than 45 years of expertise in high-resolution radar satellite technology, Airbus is well-positioned to deliver these critical assets that will help ensure the safety of UK Armed Forces on a global scale.
The timing of this project aligns with the upcoming launch of another satellite system, named “Tyche,” which is scheduled for August 2024. Tyche will be the inaugural satellite in a constellation designed for space-based data collection, with a complete deployment expected by 2031. The images captured by Tyche, set to be taken from an altitude of approximately 500 kilometers in January 2025, will include significant locations like Washington DC and Heathrow Airport.
Broader Applications Beyond Military
The UK defense agency has highlighted that both the Oberon and Tyche satellites will serve dual purposes. Besides their military applications, these satellites will assist in governmental functions such as monitoring natural disasters, conducting geographic mapping, and observing climate change. This multifaceted approach underscores the strategic importance of the satellites beyond traditional defense roles.
British Space Commander Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman commented on the collaborative efforts between the defence sector and industry through UK Space Command. He noted that continuous investment in innovative space technologies is essential for enhancing the UK’s capabilities. The integration of Oberon, Tyche, and future satellites in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance constellation will enable comprehensive monitoring of global events from space, regardless of weather conditions.
