Project OBERON · UK public procurement notice

The OBERON mission is a Research and Development (R&D) space mission concept developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and owned by MOD/UK Space Command. The aim is to better understand how high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors can be used to support UK space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities.

The OBERON system will provide a day and night, all weather capable, space-based ISR capability in the form of active high-resolution SAR and, at a lower priority, passive Radio Frequency (RF) functionality. It is planned to consist of up to three satellites flying as a coherent cluster – providing freedom of action to conduct ISR activities and demonstrate an operational capability to defence forces. Each satellite will carry a primary SAR and, desirably, a secondary passive RF payload. OBERON will support the future ISR constellation under programme ISTARI.

Aims: The OBERON System shall allow the exploration of space based ISR capability advantages offered by a coherent cluster of SAR satellites (with additional passive RF collection). A high priority for the OBERON system is the ability to collect SAR data on an area of interest, specified by the User Group, and the subsequent production of a data product (with enhanced size, resolution, composition, and assurance). A second high priority for the system is its ability to perform R&D which will inform subsequent options analysis and future development.

OBERON System:

• Core Contract, constitutes an OBERON solution, envisioned as a coherent cluster of satellites equipped with an active SAR payload and, at a lower priority, passive RF functionality, that the Supplier shall operate. To deliver the system, a full end-to-end solution, with adequate pan-Defence Lines of Development (DLOD) coverage, is required including inter alia; design, development, manufacture, assembly, integration, test, launch, commissioning, operations, and eventual disposal.
• Options, constitutes the same OBERON solution from the Core Contract but with the system integrated with the elements of the ISTARI MOD ground architecture that are sufficiently mature to be utilised together. During this phase, operation of the OBERON solution will be by the Supplier until the ISTARI MOD ground architecture is capable of operating the solution. Integration between the OBERON solution and elements of ISTARI will occur within these phases with gradual, progressive functional transitions.
• Options, consists of an OBERON solution that is fully integrated with the MOD’s ISTARI ground architecture and is operated by the MOD.

The core contract length will be 36 months including launch, and first year of mission operations and support.

Further Contract Options will include mission operations, training, and support (per year) for a further 6 years and mission integration and implementation to the ground architecture, further details will be in the ITN.

The OBERON procurement will be run at OFFICIAL SENSITIVE up to and including SECRET. The potential provider must have the ability to process, store and transmit classified information at OFFICIAL SENSITIVE up to and including SECRET.

For further information on the ISTARI Programme, see “Defence Space Strategy: Operationalising the Space Domain”, UK Gov, Feb 22 , and “Press Release: UK cutting-edge space defence backed by £1.4 billion”, UK Gov, 1 Feb 22.

The Cyber Risk Level for this procurement is Low risk. The Risk Assessment Reference (RAR) is RAR-651356809

A full description of the Cyber Risk levels is available at DEFSTAN 05-138. Potential Providers should make themselves familiar with the requirements against the profile assessment for this risk Level