British-designed satellites successfully launched into space

• A consortium of British-designed and manufactured satellites has been successfully launched
• The satellites will orbit the Earth at an approximate velocity of 7.6 kilometres per second
• Each RF satellite weighs approximately 150 kilograms

A consortium of British-designed and manufactured satellites has been successfully launched into low Earth orbit, significantly enhancing the capabilities of the United Kingdom in the realms of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for defence, security, and civil sectors.

On 28 November 2025, three Azalea radio frequency (RF) satellites, designed and developed by BAE Systems, were successfully deployed as part of the Transporter-15 rideshare mission conducted by SpaceX. Initial communications with these satellites were promptly established during the first three contact opportunities. This launch signifies a pivotal achievement for BAE Systems’ self-funded Azalea mission, with the satellites operating at an altitude of 350 miles, employing ultra-wideband RF sensors to extensively monitor and geolocate radio signals across the Earth.

Additionally, the Azalea constellation is complemented by a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite from ICEYE, a Finnish company, which possesses the capability to penetrate cloud cover and generate images of the Earth's surface. Together, these satellites form a four-satellite cluster, meticulously designed to process both RF and SAR data, thereby delivering actionable intelligence to decision-makers across land, sea, and air operations in near real-time.

In the months ahead, BAE Systems aims to collaborate with clients to explore various applications of this innovative technology, including intelligence gathering and disaster relief operations. Andrea Thompson, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence division, highlighted the mission's critical importance to national security and the role of space in addressing contemporary threats.

Each RF satellite weighs approximately 150 kilograms and features the Azalea Enhanced Software Defined Radio, which is designed, developed, and operated by BAE Systems. This equipment utilises artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently process RF and SAR data onboard, converting it into actionable intelligence that can be securely transmitted back to Earth. Furthermore, the payload can be rapidly reconfigured remotely while in orbit, ensuring the continuous advancement of the Azalea program to meet future mission requirements.

The satellites will orbit the Earth at an approximate velocity of 7.6 kilometres per second, completing an orbit every 90 minutes. Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Space Agency, articulated the significance of the Azalea constellation's launch, underscoring its contribution to the growing demand for advanced information from space in civil, national security, and defence contexts. He acknowledged the substantial investment made by BAE Systems in the United Kingdom's space industry, emphasising its vital role in fostering economic growth and ensuring national security.