Oxford Innovation Finance is pleased to highlight a major milestone achieved by one of its investee companies, Oxford Space Systems, following the successful in-orbit deployment of its Wrapped Rib Antenna on Surrey Satellite Technology Limited’s (SSTL) CarbSAR In-Orbit Demonstration mission.
Announced on 29 January, the successful deployment marks the first in-orbit flight heritage for Oxford Space Systems’ large deployable reflector antenna and represents a significant technical and commercial achievement for the Oxfordshire-based space technology company.
Oxford Space Systems first engaged with Oxford Innovation Finance through an OION Showcase event in January 2024, where the company pitched to members of the OION Angel Network. Building on this early engagement, Oxford Innovation Finance invested in the company through its EIS Growth Fund, co-investing alongside angel investors from the OION Angel Network to support the company’s ambitious growth plans.
Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the CarbSAR demonstration satellite has now successfully deployed Oxford Space Systems’ Wrapped Rib Antenna in orbit. This achievement confirms the maturity of the company’s technology following several years of development and testing and represents a significant step forward in building flight heritage.
The successful deployment demonstrates Oxford Space Systems’ ability to deliver high-performance capability from compact satellite platforms, strengthening its position in the fast-growing Earth observation market and supporting future commercial and government missions in the UK and internationally.
Richard Cooper, Managing Director at Oxford Innovation Finance, said: “We’re pleased to see Oxford Space Systems reach this major in-orbit milestone. This achievement not only validates the company’s technology and execution but also reinforces the strength of the UK space sector. Oxford Innovation Finance remains proud to support Oxford Space Systems as it builds valuable flight heritage, expands its market presence and delivers long-term growth for investors.”
The successful in-orbit deployment on the CarbSAR mission provides valuable performance data for Oxford Space Systems, strengthening its position in both UK and international markets and supporting its ongoing industrialisation and scale-up plans.
Oxford Innovation Finance is proud to support innovative, high-growth companies such as Oxford Space Systems as they progress from early-stage investment through to global commercial and technical success.