DSEI 2023: First Azalea satellite cluster set for launch in early 2025
Azalea is designed to provide a complete C4ISR capability. (Image: BAE Systems)
The first four multi-sensor Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites forming the first cluster of Azalea will be launched in early 2025 as part of a BAE Systems effort to demonstrate capability to the UK government and other potential customers.
Each Azalea cluster consists of four satellites with a satellite dedicated to SAR, cluster computing, radio frequency sending and receiving and the final satellite for optical imagery.
While led by BAE Systems the effort is supported by satellite manufacturer ICEYE and system design company Inspace.
Dedicated to C2, surveillance and navigation Azalea could ultimately consist of a constellation of 12 clusters but a single cluster, operating at an altitude of 500km, could be directed to provide support for any global area.
The company pointed to the combined capability in a single constellation as a key attribute and highlighted the functionality
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