Prometheus 2A, 2B

Prometheus 2 [DSTL]

Prometheus 2 are two 6U CubeSat which will provide a test platform for monitoring radio signals including GPS and sophisticated imaging, paving the way for a more collaborative and connected space communication system with allied partners. Built by In-Space Missions Ltd, based in Hampshire, and designed with Airbus Defence and Space, Prometheus-2 is a collaboration between the UK Ministry of Defence and international partners, including the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

Built by In-Space Missions Ltd in Alton and designed with Airbus Defence and Space, the 2 tiny satellites will provide a test platform for monitoring radio signals including GPS, and sophisticated imaging, paving the way for a more collaborative and connected space communication system with our combat allies.

The mission is a collaborative project with Dstl’s international partners and Airbus Defence and Space UK who will share the satellite’s operations, with additional ground stations being provided by Dstl’s international partners and Airbus.

These satellites will support MOD’s science and technology activities both in orbit and on the ground through the development of ground systems focused at Dstl’s site near Portsmouth.

The satellites will host a wide array of payloads including a hyperspectral imager, Global Positioning System receivers, a wide-field-of-view imager and multiple software-defined radios.

Lessons learnt from this demonstration will be used to de-risk key technologies, generate the next wave of collaborative science and technology experiments, enhance international collaboration and Dstl’s own satellite operations capability as it looks to lead a growing number of space and ground demonstrator missions.

The two Prometheus 2 CubeSats will operate in low Earth Orbit, 550km above the Earth.