Oxford Space Systems, a UK-based space technology firm, has developed a deployable wrapped rib antenna technology enabled by Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) funding and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) support. The innovation allows compact satellites to achieve high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities, offering significant cost and size advantages over traditional systems. The technology, which unfolds a large antenna with millimetre precision, was critical to the Oberon project, a UK defence initiative aiming to demonstrate operational high-resolution SAR imagery. DASA funding facilitated prototype development, flight testing, and team expansion to over 100 employees. The breakthrough enables smaller, cheaper satellites with enhanced coverage and data capacity, supporting both domestic and international defence contracts. The company’s collaboration with Airbus and export deals highlights its growing role in UK space capabilities.
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https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/from-startup-to-space-oxford-space-systems-journey-to-oberon
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