Space Technology 'Made in UK'

Sovereign Space Technology 'Made in UK'

We’re pushing forward. To achieve even greater things.

To use our strength and proven sovereign capabilities in space technology to meet the challenges of today. And the threats of tomorrow.

To go the extra mile in pursuit of our goals. To defy frontiers.

To contribute more to UK industry, its technology base, and the economy as a whole. To nurture and encourage the talented people who work for us now and in the future.

To protect those in the defence and security services, who protect our democracy and our people.

To support the businesses that support us, no matter how large or small.

To do everything we can to help our customers fulfil their ambitions.

Airbus is pushing forward.

For those who are dedicated to the UK space ecosystem.

Driving the UK’s leadership in space technology

As the largest space company in Europe and an integral part of the £18.9 billion UK space sector, we design and manufacture advanced satellites to deliver global solutions, from climate change monitoring to sovereign military satellite communications. Through ESA, we lead international missions, from the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover vehicle, to Solar Orbiter and its pioneering examination of the Sun.

For those who want to connect

Airbus designs and manufactures approximately 25% of the world’s geo telecommunications satellites. At Airbus UK we make the structure and propulsion systems, as well as the sophisticated payloads including our world leading digital processed payloads. Weighing up to 6 tons, geo telecommunication satellites provide direct to home TV broadcasting and business to business communications. They also provide secure, reliable, global military satellite communications to our Armed Forces.

For those who see the Earth through a new lens

Airbus’ Earth observation satellites give the world eyes in space, including ESA’s global wind sensing satellite Aeolus, which was built in Stevenage, as was the pollution monitoring satellite Sentinel 5P. Airbus in Portsmouth is a world leader in radar design and manufacture having built the instrument for the NovaSAR-1 satellite. Airbus is also building ESA’s Biomass satellite that will measure forest biomass to assess terrestrial carbon stocks from 600 km above the Earth.

For those who explore

Airbus UK led the development of Europe’s first interplanetary rover vehicle, the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover. Due to launch in 2028 the rover is equipped with Airbus autonomous navigation capabilities to enable it to move more quickly on the Red Planet. ESA’s flagship mission Solar Orbiter, launched in February 2020 was designed and built in Stevenage. The scientific mission LISA Pathfinder designed to test the concept of gravitational wave detection was built by Airbus in the UK.

For those who protect

For over 50 years, Airbus has worked with the UK to deliver military satellite communications including the Skynet satellites. It provides the Armed Forces with secure sovereign global communications for mobile voice, video, internet and broadcast. Skynet’s cutting-edge technology is used by UK military and intelligence services, to protect the UK from those who would seek to damage its people and infrastructure. 17 NATO allies rely on the communications capability provided by Skynet.

For the UK space ecosystem

Airbus plays an important role in fostering a thriving and innovative space industry. The Community for Space Prosperity (CUSP) programme has helped SMEs increase their space expertise and contributes to building the UK’s status as a science and technology superpower. CUSP harnesses innovation from SMEs, combining their capabilities to challenge what’s possible. Airbus is ensuring that the UK can seize the opportunities of future growth in the expanding global space economy.

For the next generation

With our outreach initiatives coupled with our graduate and apprenticeship programmes, we are working to inspire and develop the next generation of British scientists, technicians and engineers. The centre piece of this effort is the STEM Discovery Centre in Stevenage which has welcomed more than 40,000 visitors since it was opened in 2017 by British ESA astronaut Tim Peake. It features a range of interactive exhibits including the Mars Yard.