Thales Alenia Space’s Post

𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 While Galileo, Europe's independent GNSS system, is set to see new satellite launches this year, the reliance on SpaceX for these launches highlights a concerning lack of strategic autonomy in European space efforts. The problem is that ESA (sub)contracting companies have the wrong incentives. Simply put: they make more money by doing more work. For example, it pays to initially propose the wrong thing, and then get a Contract Change Notice to do the actual thing that needs to be done, with a few years of delay. If we want to gain back our strategic autonomy, we need to change the way companies are incentivized. Unfortunately, our autonomy problem is not only with launchers but also in other parts of the value chain. Notably, >50% of the electronics components for our European missions are sourced outside Europe, which also creates a strategic dependence. At SPHERICAL, we are set out to change this. https://lnkd.in/dX4UTdYa What are your thoughts on the future of European space independence? #Galileo #GNSS #SpacePolicy #Europe #StrategicAutonomy

#EU launches €10.6bn space #Internet program, set for 2029. The European Union has outlined a space program with a constellation of 290 satellites that will rival Elon Musk's Starlink service. In an announcement, the European Commission said it has signed the concession contract for the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²), with the SpaceRise consortium. The SpaceRISE consortium is made up of a number of #satellite players, including SES Satellites, Eutelsat Group, and Hispasat SA. A number of key partners were also named, including Thales Alenia Space, OHB SE, Airbus Defence and Space, Telespazio, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Hisdesat Servicios Estratégicos, and Thales SIX. The EU previously secured a €6 billion ($6.3bn) deal to develop its own satellite Internet system back in 2022, when the bloc said it was aiming to have the system up and running by 2027. The date is now set for two years later, in 2029. According to the EC, the partnership will #develop, #deploy, and #operate the European Union's new system. The Commission said it is a "significant step towards Europe's sovereignty and secure connectivity." The satellite operators, EC, and European Space Agency (ESA) have agreed to develop the IRIS2 constellation under a 12-year contract, expected to launch in 2029. "IRIS² is not just a #technological achievement—it is a testament to Europe’s ambition and unity," said Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy. "This cutting-edge constellation will protect our critical infrastructures, connect our most remote areas, and increase Europe’s strategic autonomy. By partnering with the SpaceRISE consortium, we are demonstrating the power of public-private collaboration to drive innovation and deliver tangible benefits to all Europeans." The constellation will be multi-orbit, spanning both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). “Working with our partners at the European Commission and SpaceRISE, we are proud to support the development, qualification, and in-orbit validation of the next EU flagship program for space," added Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s director of connectivity and secure communications. "Through ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate, we will leverage decades of experience in developing and implementing space programs with Industry. We look forward to carrying forward the implementation of the program hand-in-hand with the colleagues from the European Commission." STARLINK's parent company SpaceX won approval last month from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide satellite coverage directly to mobile devices through its Starlink service in the US. At present, SpaceX's constellation is made up of around 7,000 LEO satellites. The company has ambitions to grow this between 12,000 to as much as 42,000.

Main takeaway from this article, other than me being insanely jealous I did not come up with this line: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 "𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲," 𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐫-𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 "𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝." We are talking about ESA. They know what they are doing. They care. They are careful. Can we say the same about all the commercial space companies deploying mega-constellations? We need to start having real conversations about space junk as well as planning for what happens if a provider goes bust. Remember back in 2000 when Iridium went bankrupt and Motorola Solutions plan was to just let the sats come down "wherever"? There are just a few, just a few, more satellites in orbit since then. Thanks Leonard David for the article and I am definitely stealing your line. https://lnkd.in/gSQypW-T

🌍✨ Europe's answer to Starlink: ESA’s New Space-Based Internet Initiative ✨🌍 European Space Agency - ESA is studying how to build a spoof-proof mega-constellation of satellites in space. The visionary project named HydRON was first announced in 2019 but is now reaching the end of its design phase. 🛰 It will create a network of satellites linked together in space that transmit laser signals between themselves and a few optical networks on the ground, in what they call a "world first" for fibre in the sky. 🎙 "HydRON aims to demonstrate the world’s first all-optical multi-orbit network… in other words ‘Internet beyond clouds,'" according to ESA. Read more about the project: https://lnkd.in/dTtKj3u8 #ESA #SpaceInnovation #GlobalConnectivity #hydron #gnousspace

🚀 China Advances in the Global Space Race 🌌 China has strategically advanced its position in the global space race with the launch of its first Qianfan satellites. This move is part of a broader initiative to rival SpaceX's Starlink by establishing a robust constellation of 14,000 satellites by 2030. The Qianfan project, which is supported by government and municipal backing, is a testament to China’s commitment to strengthening its broadband internet infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions. This initiative not only enhances China’s technological capabilities but also positions it as a pivotal player in the global telecommunications landscape. The emphasis on rapid scalability and the strategic significance of satellite technology underscores the growing importance of space as a national priority for China. #SpaceInnovation #ChinaTech #SatelliteInternet #GlobalLeadership https://lnkd.in/dvTekF95

🚀 ESA Signs €10.6 Billion Deal to Build IRIS Satellite Constellation The European Space Agency (ESA) has embarked on its most ambitious space program in a decade: the €10.6 billion IRIS constellation. This cutting-edge satellite network aims to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink and will be built over 12 years, with the first launch slated for 2029. IRIS, short for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite, will include nearly 300 satellites launched by European rockets. While primarily offering commercial broadband services, the constellation will play a critical role in security and crisis management. It builds on the EU’s existing Copernicus and Galileo programs, which provide Earth observation and GPS services. With funding from the EU, ESA, and private sector partners like SES, Eutelsat, Airbus, and Deutsche Telekom, the project highlights Europe’s commitment to advancing its independent space capabilities. Though Starlink leads the market today, IRIS promises to be a game-changer in satellite connectivity when it launches. 💡 World Wireless Solutions Inc. is thrilled by innovations that drive global connectivity. Learn more about how we can enhance your digital strategy at https://lnkd.in/dzEptqnh.

Throwing it back to a pivotal moment in the GNSS History - The First Galileo system test in Oberpfaffenhofen 15 years ago 🛰️ 🇪🇺 🌍   Back in November 2009, a significant moment in satellite navigation history unfolded at the Galileo Control Center in Oberpfaffenhofen: the first system validation tests for the #GALILEO satellite system. These tests marked the beginning of the operational validation journey that would pave the way for the successful launch of the first Galileo satellites in 2011.   For the first time, the interaction between the satellite, still on the ground, and the corresponding ground infrastructure was tested, ensuring the satellite's safe operation throughout its life in orbit. This was part of a series of tests that validated the entire system, setting the stage for future satellite launches and their operations.   The tests involved close collaboration with teams from the European Space Agency - ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt and Centre National d'Études Spatiales in Toulouse. Together, they successfully conducted the first interconnection between the satellite’s ground and space segments, checking all key functions and systems—everything from satellite communication to altitude control. The teams tested different functions, signals, and instructions, including the operational procedures in the LEOP phase right after launch. Over two days, the teams verified everything, from the communication between the ground segment and the satellite, to power supply, on-board computers, drive systems, and orbit/altitude control systems. The satellite database was also validated with the associated procedures, ensuring all systems worked as expected. All tests were completed successfully. #NavigatingTheFuture #Throwback #GNSS #GalileoControlCenter EUSPA - EU Agency for the Space Programme

Open Cosmos bags €60m contract to deploy earth observation satellites for Greece 🛰️🤝 Open Cosmos has secured a €60 million contract to deploy an earth observation constellation of seven satellites which will supply daily high-resolution imagery to the Greek government. The Oxfordshire firm will collaborate with the European Space Agency - ESA on the project for the benefit of both Greek and European citizens at large. It’s hoped the ‘OpenConstellation’ – set to be the largest shared infrastructure in space – will help improve public services such as the land registry, combat sea pollution, coordinate disaster response and boost agricultural efficiency. Rafel Jorda Siquier, founder and CEO of Open Cosmos, said... Continue reading... https://lnkd.in/gNH7sbKi #space #technology #innovation #manufacturing #engineering #satellites #finance #funding #investing #international #businessnews #businessintelligence

SpaceX #Starlink has a new competitor in the orbiting #Internet business. #China has successfully dispatched a new high orbit #satellite, designated as High orbit satellite internet-01, into space with the purpose of providing internet services across China and its Belt and Road initiative regions. This satellite was launched aboard a Long March 3B/G rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China’s southwestern province on February 29. The CHINA AEROSPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION (CASC) confirmed tthe launch, highlighting the satellite’s mission to expand internet connectivity. The Chinese state media initially held back on sharing details of this spacecraft, which was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, a prominent player in China’s aerospace industry. This satellite addition builds on China’s existing communications infrastructure, including the advanced ChinaSat-26 that offers high data transmission rates. Moving forward under the nation’s “14th Five-Year Plan,” the goal is to escalate the capacity of these satellite communications systems significantly. In addition to this high orbit internet satellite, China is also advancing two low Earth orbit satellite internet constellations to bolster its space-based internet outreach. Such developments will necessitate a dramatic increase in launch operations, providing commercial opportunities for China’s launch service industry.

Commercial space station company Vast is building a private microgravity research lab as part of its wider Haven-1 station plans. The module is set to launch no earlier than the second half of 2025, the company said Thursday. The lab includes 10 payload slots that are equivalent to 10 “middeck lockers” on the International Space Station (ISS) — a standard payload container measurement on the ISS. Each of those slots, roughly the size of a microwave oven, can accommodate payloads up to 30 kg (66 lb) while providing 100W of continuous power and Ethernet data connectivity. Similar to the ISS, the payloads will be operated by a crew onboard Haven-1, and researchers will be able to return samples or products from the lab via capsules like SpaceX’s Dragon. Those astronauts will be assisted by ground operators via Starlink laser links. (Vast announced its partnership with Starlink in April.) “The ISS may be on its way to be retired in 2030, but the institutional knowledge deserves a new platform for future microgravity research and manufacturing innovation,” Vast CEO Max Haot said in a statement. “Our Haven-1 Lab is designed to provide that bridge well before the eventual retirement of ISS.” Vast is bringing on Redwire Space and European space biotech company Yuri as its first partners in the lab. Both firms have extensive experience operating on the ISS. It’s notable that Vast pursued a European-based company as an early partner — earlier this summer, Vast made a strong gesture of intent toward more collaboration with the continent when it signed an MoU with the European Space Agency for future Vast stations. #Commercial #ResearchLab #SpaceStation