Photo: BAE SystemsBAE Systems and
Hanwha Systems have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop technology and collaborative working to deliver a multi-sensor satellite system for international markets. The companies will look to work together to combine BAE Systems’ ultra-wide band Radio Frequency (RF) sensors and Hanwha Systems’ space domain expertise in next-generation Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to create an advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.
The ambition is to explore the creation of a system that will use a range of sensors to collect RF and SAR data, which will be analysed by machine learning using on-board edge processors to deliver derived insights and intelligence securely. Rachael Hoyle, space director at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, said: “Bringing together our pedigree in space with Hanwha Systems’ expertise in SAR satellites represents an exciting opportunity to progress ISR capabilities from space for international markets. We are looking forwards to building this relationship and advancing space technologies together.”
Surveillance and reconnaissanceSung-Chan Song, head of the space division at Hanwha Systems, said: “Small SAR satellites are becoming increasingly recognised as invaluable resources for surveillance and reconnaissance. Hanwha Systems is proud to collaborate with BAE Systems as we look to further expand our presence in the global satellite market."
Sarah Jones MP, the UK Government’s Industry Minister, added: “The UK and South Korea are already world leaders in the space industry, and this new partnership is exactly what we both need to create jobs, advance cutting-edge technologies and expand into new international markets. Our modern industrial strategy will set out how we will boost the space sector further to reach new heights and unlock more investment and jobs in the industries of tomorrow.”
BAE Systems expects to launch its first low-Earth-orbit cluster of satellites in 2025. Known as Azalea, the mission will boost domestic and international markets’ ability to understand the threats and hazards in, from and through space. To deliver this, it is working collaboratively with a number of partners around the world.