BAE Systems’ Azalea satellite cluster successfully put into orbit

Three BAE Systems-designed and -built Azalea radio frequency (RF) satellites were successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on 28 November, 2025. They were launched by a Falcon 9 rocket performing Transporter-15: the 19th mission of SpaceX’s Smallsat Rideshare programme.

“Communications with the UK-produced satellites were successfully established across the first three contact opportunities between 23:05 and 04:55 GMT,” BAE Systems stated.

Putting the satellites into orbit marks a crucial milestone in BAE Systems’ self-funded Azalea mission, which will see the three satellites fly in formation at an altitude of 350 miles (563 km), using their ultra-wideband RF sensors to monitor and geolocate radio signals on Earth across vast distances.

The three RF satellites are joined by an ICEYE synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, which was launched aboard the same Transporter-15 mission, that can see through clouds to create images of the Earth’s surface.

This four-satellite cluster will process RF and SAR data in space, designed to deliver actionable information directly to decision makers across land, sea and air in near real time – helping them protect armed forces, safeguard critical national infrastructure and detect illegal activity at sea. Over the coming months BAE Systems will trial this novel fusion of RF and SAR data, collaborating with customers to explore a range of use cases, including intelligence gathering and supporting disaster relief.

Weighing around 150 kg each, the RF satellites carry the Azalea Enhanced Software Defined Radio – designed, developed, built and operated by BAE Systems. The equipment uses artificial intelligence (AI) to accurately process RF and SAR data on board the satellites, turn it into actionable intelligence and transmit it securely back to Earth.

“Like a mobile phone operating system update, the payload can be rapidly reconfigured remotely whilst it is in-orbit, ensuring Azalea remains at the cutting edge of space technology to deliver future customer missions,” BAE Systems explained.

The satellites will travel at approximately 7.6 km per second, orbiting the Earth every 90 minutes.

“Building on decades of experience in defence, security and space innovation, our Azalea mission reflects the critical role space plays in defence and national security, offering a unique vantage point of Earth which enables us to better understand and respond to today’s complex threats,” Andrea Thompson, group managing director at BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business, was quote as saying in a company press release. “This cutting-edge technology is designed to deliver near real-time, space-based insights directly to users, empowering them to make informed decisions that help protect the UK and its allies. I’m incredibly proud of the team for their work to boost the UK’s space capability.”

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, added, “The successful launch of the Azalea constellation will increase the availability of advanced information from space, to help meet the fast-growing global demand from civil, national security and defence customers.

“The new satellites, which will use AI to convert raw data into actionable intelligence, represent a significant and welcome investment by BAE Systems in the UK space industry, which plays a vital role in driving economic growth and keeping us safe.”