Oxford Space Systems

About Oxford Space Systems

Founded in 2013, Oxford Space Systems is a UK-based company specializing in the design and manufacture of deployable antennas and structures for the satellite industry. The company was established by Mike Lawton, Matthew Dreaper, Juan Reveles, and Vincent Fraux. Lawton, with a background in electronics and prior experience in the space industry, identified a market opportunity driven by the trend of shrinking satellite sizes. He observed that deployable systems like antennas were often overlooked, presenting a niche for lightweight, compact, and cost-effective solutions. The company is headquartered at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, a major UK space cluster. Oxford Space Systems operates on a business-to-business model, generating revenue through direct sales of its antenna products to satellite manufacturers, space agencies, and commercial operators. Its client base is global, with a focus on North America, Europe, and Asia. The company has formed key partnerships, including working with the UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) on antennas for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). It has also been selected as a key supplier for Airbus on the Oberon Earth Observation (EO) mission. The company's product portfolio is centered on deployable antennas designed to be lighter, smaller, and more cost-effective than traditional alternatives. Key products include the Wrapped Rib Antenna, Hinged Rib antennas, and deployable helical antennas. These products leverage proprietary materials developed in-house, combining expertise in materials science, RF engineering, and mechanical systems. A significant milestone was the successful in-orbit deployment of its Wrapped Rib Antenna aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, demonstrating its technology for high-resolution SAR imagery from a compact satellite. The firm has achieved multiple successful in-orbit deployments of its helical antennas for IoT constellations. With over $31 million raised in funding from investors such as Longwall Ventures and the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund, the company is focused on expanding its product development and manufacturing capabilities. Keywords: deployable antennas, satellite hardware, space structures, synthetic aperture radar, wrapped rib antenna, earth observation, small satellites, cubesats, RF engineering, materials science, satellite components, space technology, Harwell space cluster, satellite communications, IoT constellation, hinged rib antenna, parabolic dish, UK space industry, in-orbit demonstration, aerospace manufacturing