SSTL and OSS announce successful launch of CarbSAR IOD satellite

The successful launch of CarbSAR IOD, marks a major milestone for the UK space sector and highlights growing momentum behind advanced Earth observation technologies.

The spacecraft, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, carries OSS’ novel Wrapped Rib Antenna integrated onto SSTL’s proven carbonite platform. The mission will now enter its commissioning phase ahead of in‑orbit demonstrations of high‑resolution X‑band SAR imagery.

The Wrapped Rib Antenna - built at OSS’s advanced manufacturing facilities in Oxfordshire - is being flown for the first time, following several years of engineering development and extensive ground‑based testing. Its compact, deployable architecture is designed to deliver strong SAR performance from a highly efficient, low‑mass configuration.

CarbSAR IOD has been jointly funded by OSS, SSTL, Airbus Defence and Space, UKDI, Dstl and NSSIF, as part of a long‑term programme also supported by the UK Space Agency and the Defence and Security Accelerator.

We are pleased to support this mission, which reflects the technical excellence and ambition of the teams at SSTL and OSS. Their ability to deliver cutting‑edge Earth observation technology from a compact, efficient platform is a testament to the UK’s growing leadership in space engineering, helping to build strategic, secure and resilient sovereign capabilities.

For the full announcement, please visit: Latest News | Small Satellite supplier | Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd | SSTL