BAE Systems announces satellite cluster plans

BAE Systems, the Farnborough-based arms, security and aerospace multinational, 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 on-board 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. It will provide real-time, actionable intelligence to support military operations and disaster response.

Made up of four satellites which in combination can gather analyse and communicate Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), optical and RF signals, unlike the standard single-purpose satellites Azalea™ can be fully reconfigured in orbit in the same way a smartphone installs a new app, extending the cluster’s lifecycle.

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.

Dave Armstrong, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business said: “The Azalea™ satellite cluster will process data in space to provide swathes of digital intelligence wherever it’s needed.

“We understand how important space-based intelligence is to every domain, whether that’s informing strategic command, alerting an in area warship, or providing real-time intelligence to forces on the ground.

“The launch of Azalea™ in 2024 will be a major step forward for the UK’s sovereign space capability."

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BAE is collaborating with Finland’s ICEYE, which will bring its advanced SAR technology to the cluster. SAR provides high-resolution imagery of the Earth’s surface, day or night and in any weather conditions.

This constant monitoring improves the detection of moment-to-moment physical changes, such as the movement of hostile ships or aircraft or the location of people at risk during natural disasters, such as floods and forest fires.

Whereas traditional space-based sensors must transmit their data, often comprising multiple terabytes, to Earth to be processed and distributed, taking hours and relying on intermittent RF links and suitable ground stations, by processing this data in orbit, Azalea™ saves time.

Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE, added: "ICEYE helps to solve problems using data. There is a clear advantage for governments and organisations to receive accurate information when they need it, regardless of weather conditions – this is what ICEYE brings.

“By combining our SAR technology with the security expertise of BAE Systems and the other data sources in the cluster, we can help decision makers make the right choice at the right time.”

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