BAE SYSTEMS TO LAUNCH EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITE CLUSTER

Farnborough-based BAE Systems is planning to launch its first multi-sensor satellite cluster in 2024.

The satellite cluster, known as Azalea, will fly in low earth orbit and provide secure, high-quality information and intelligence to military customers in real-time.

Using a range of sensors, Azalea will collect visual, radar and radio frequency (RF) data, analyse that data using onboard machine learning, then deliver it securely to anywhere in the world while remaining in orbit.

The Azalea project was boosted by BAE’s acquisition of Hampshire-based In-Space Missions last year, which made BAE one of only a select number of British companies capable of building, designing, launching and operating satellites.

Doug Liddle, Chief Executive and co-founder of In-Space Missions, said: “We’re working together to create a step-change in military intelligence and capabilities. Our technology will monitor adversaries, but will also provide substantial civil benefits by helping humanitarian response missions.”

Azalea will improve the UK’s ability to understand the threats and hazards in, from and through space.

The programme supports the recently published UK Government Defence Space Strategy, which named Earth observation as a key area to help protect and defend UK interests.