The wrapped rib antenna. Photo: OSS

A new $1.3 million (1 million British pounds) MOD investment will be funding the development of a new generation of British deployable satellite antennas. The ‘wrapped rib’ antenna aims to be lighter, less complex and more cost-competitive than those currently available commercially.

The antenna will be exclusively developed in the U.K. by Oxford Space Systems (OSS). In collaboration with the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and the Defense Innovation Fund, this is the largest contract placed with a first-time supplier by the Defense and Security Accelerator (DASA). The new antenna will be used to meet the needs of fine-resolution Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. The technology will help enable the U.K. to deploy a number of antennas in space, providing more accurate and frequent satellite images.

“I have been clear that we need to accelerate the development of new, innovative capabilities — especially those in the space domain. It is vital that we have homegrown affordable technologies like this pioneering deployable satellite antenna to maintain a commanding military advantage over our adversaries and competitors,” said U.K. Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson.