Artist rendition of Orbital Micro Systems Microwave Sensor Satellite. Photo: Orbital Micro Systems

Orbital Micro Systems (OMS) has been selected to provide the pathfinder mission payload for the initial launch of the U.K. Spaceflight Program, which is an initiative to create a world-leading commercial launch market to grow the U.K. economy through regular, reliable, and responsible access to space.

OMS, in partnership with both Lockheed Martin and other U.K.-based firms, will create and fly a pathfinder spacecraft for an initial launch planned for the early 2020s. The mission payload will include OMS’s miniaturized microwave radiometer instrument, providing temperature, humidity, and precipitation data.

“The United Kingdom has a wealth of resources: well-funded facilities, an educated and inventive workforce, and strong government support that positions the country as a market leader in the growing space economy,” OMS Chief Executive Officer William Hosack said in the release.