The Azalea cluster of satellites will deliver secure and timely intelligence crucial for military operations and disaster response. Credit: NASA Johnson/ Flickr (Creative Commons) .

BAE Systems is set to launch its first multi-sensor satellite cluster, called Azalea, into low Earth orbit (LEO) in 2024.

Once launched, these satellites will provide secure, real-time digital military intelligence to the military customers from space.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The cluster comprises four highly resilient spacecraft.

The satellites can collectively gather, analyse, and communicate synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical and radio frequency (RF) signals, utilising a variety of sensors.

Launch of Azalea will further support the UK Government’s Defence Space Strategy, which was released this year.

As per this space plan, the government has prioritised Earth observation to defend and protect the nation’s interests and capabilities, which BAE Systems claims Azalea could provide.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence business group managing director Dave Armstrong said: “The Azalea satellite cluster will process data in space to provide swathes of digital intelligence, wherever it’s needed.

“We understand how important space-based intelligence is to every domain, whether that’s informing strategic command, alerting an in-area warship, or providing real-time intelligence to forces on the ground.”

In order to support the associated work, BAE Systems also acquired British company In-Space Missions last year. 

BAE Systems is also working with a Finland-based company ICEYE that will provide advanced SAR technology for the cluster.

Consistent monitoring will allow the firm to easily detect movements of hostile aircraft, maritime vessels, or any other physical changes, including natural disasters, according to the company.

The legacy data distribution process can take hours and depends on the availability of ground stations and RF links, unlike Azalea, which takes less time to combine and deliver data securely.