In-orbit validation of Oxford Space Systems Deployable Wrapped Rib Antenna (WRA)

Oxford Space Systems (OSS) has achieved significant advancements in space deployable antennas, enabling small-satellite constellations through their low mass, low launch volume and high RF performance. Launched in January 2026 on a Falcon 9 rocket, OSS have collaborated with SSTL on the CarbSAR mission to successfully demonstrate and validate the technology of the innovative deployable Wrapped Rib Antenna (WRA) in-orbit.

The CarbSAR mission has been jointly funded by Oxford Space Systems, SSTL, Airbus Defence and Space, UKDI-DASA, Dstl and the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), within a long-term programme that also includes support from the UK Space Agency and the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA). This represents an important milestone for UK-developed Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, with clear relevance to future defence, security and Earth Observation applications for UK and international partners.

The WRA is uniquely deployable in diameter and length resulting in a compact stowed configuration, achieved through the innovative use of space compatible wrappable high strain composite materials, foldable knitted technical textiles and novel deployment mechanisms. This results in a lightweight, volume efficient, reliable and high RF performance product.

The WRA is highly modular, scalable in diameter and frequency and reconfigurable with larger variants of the X-Band SAR product undergoing qualification and alternative configurations in development spanning from multi-mode SAR to wideband and multi-band telecommunications, showcasing the critical role it can play as an enabling technology for a broad range of small satellite constellations.

This paper describes the successful in-orbit validation of Oxford Space Systems Wrapped Rib Antenna as part of the CarbSAR mission highlighting the technological innovations, and the critical and diverse applications it enables.