Aviation News – Three British-designed Azalea satellites have entered low Earth orbit, marking a major step in strengthening the UK’s space-based intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
The trio of satellites, developed and built by BAE Systems, was launched on 28 November 2025 via Exolaunch as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-15 rideshare mission. The deployment represents a key milestone in the company’s self-funded Azalea programme, designed to deliver advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) services to defence, security and civil sectors across the UK.
Flying in formation at roughly 350 miles above Earth, the satellites are equipped with ultra-wideband radio-frequency sensors capable of detecting and geolocating radio signals across large distances. This capability allows rapid monitoring of global electromagnetic activity, supporting decision-makers facing increasingly complex and fast-moving threats.