Project OBERON

The UK MOD are developing a space-based Intelligence Surveillance and Recognisance (ISR) capability. To support the development of this capability, Dstl have provided UK defence with ISR mission options, one of which is OBERON. The Oberon mission will develop and deliver a Day/Night, all weather capable, high-performance SAR satellite capability, providing freedom of action to conduct ISR activities and demonstrate an operational capability to defence forces. This will enable the development of Defence requirements and, in addition, support allied partner activities. The Oberon mission is planned to consist of three satellites flying in a close cluster formation. Each satellite will carry a primary SAR and, desirably, a secondary passive RF payload. OBERON will provide a platform for Defence to explore and develop novel and improved ISR solutions to meet Defence requirements. OBERON will be a constituent part of the future ISR constellation under programme ISTARI and will provide underpinning capabilities for future generations of UK MOD ISR platforms. Approvals are ongoing - Estimated cost currently unknown.