Space intelligence consortium lead by Airbus

Airbus will be the prime contractor and system integrator, and will bring together four other German-based specialists to address growing government demand for space-based surveillance. These capabilities will be “independent of non-European dependencies” says Airbus, obviously referring to the USA.

Germany

“Europe has the talent, the technology, and the industrial base to build its own space intelligence infrastructure and the strategic imperative to do so,” said Mike Schöllhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.

“This consortium brings together five German companies whose capabilities are genuinely complementary. Together we can deliver a sovereign, end-to-end solution that no single company could offer alone.”

Space intelligence

Specifically, the consortium will work on a satellite-based Earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) system.

They will cover multi-sensor data collection and processing. And their work will integrate RF-sensors, electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR), synthetic aperture radar (SAR)-derived products, and signal-related geospatial intelligence outputs.

These will be presented, they say, as coherent, customer-ready services, according to the companies.

Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz highlighted its role around RF processing.

“[The company] has built its reputation on world-class RF technology and mission-critical signal intelligence capabilities,” said Thomas Bohne, Vice President SIGINT / EW at the company.

“We are committed to working with innovative technology players who bring new perspectives and complementary expertise. Together, we can help shape a sovereign European ISR capability that is technologically strong, resilient, and independent.”

Orbint

constellr will bring a thermal ISR capability. And Orbint, a spin-off from the SeRANIS project at University of the Bundeswehr Munich will contribute its signal intelligence. Note, too, Rohde & Schwarz owns a part stake in the company.

High Performance Space Structure Systems (HPS) – an SME – will help contribute subsystem elements. For example, single mechanical and thermal parts such as CFRP-electronic housings, reentry- and launcher components, and materials generated from the field of nano technology or Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM).

The collaboration – announced at the Berlin Air Show on Wednesday – will be on a non-exclusive basis, says Airbus.

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