European space security and sovereignty

Aldoria stands as the key protector of European space security and sovereignty

[Paris, September 18th, 2024] – Aldoria, a European leader in Space Situational Awareness (SSA), is at the forefront of ensuring Europe’s strategic sovereignty in space at a time when the orbital environment is becoming increasingly congested. With the number of satellites expected to reach 60,000 by 2030, the demand for robust and independent SSA solutions has never been higher. Aldoria’s recent contracts with both commercial and institutional partners demonstrate its essential contributions to securing Europe’s strategic autonomy in space operations.

The global space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, driven by the rapid expansion of satellite connectivity and the growing reliance on AI for data insights. In tandem with this growth, the number of commercial launches has surged, with a six-time increase over the past decade. Thanks to its proprietary network of six operational optical observation stations, Aldoria provides independent data to monitor, manage, and mitigate risks in a crowded orbital environment.

As the number of satellites in orbit continues to rise, so does the risk of collisions and the accumulation of space debris, endangering both the safety of space missions and the environment. In the evolving geopolitical landscape, the European Union (EU) views space as a critical component of its strategic autonomy. To reinforce autonomy, the European Commission has initiated the EU Space Law, set for adoption in 2027. This law will introduce comprehensive regulations for space traffic management, including mandatory anti-collision systems, satellite disposal protocols, and debris management requirements, ensuring that all Member States meet the necessary standards to protect these vital space-based assets.

The stakes with the EU Space Law are high, and Aldoria is positioning itself as a key actor in enabling compliance with these upcoming standards. By providing independent, high-quality SSA services, Aldoria is ensuring that all stakeholders can meet upcoming regulatory requirements. The company’s recent contracts with French newspace companies like U-Space and Infinite Orbits, as well as with institutions such as CNES and incoming contract with the European Union Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST) Partnership, underscore its critical role in providing European-centered solutions.

Aldoria’s collaboration with U-Space and Infinite Orbits demonstrates its ability to provide tailored SSA solutions that cater to the diverse needs of commercial actors. Whether it’s providing detailed collision risk analysis for U-Space’s nano-satellite missions or supporting Infinite Orbits in life extension and inspection missions under France’s 2030 initiative. These partnerships highlight the diversity of SSA applications and Aldoria’s position as a trusted partner in the rapidly expanding space industry.

On the institutional side, Aldoria is playing a pivotal role in Europe’s pursuit of strategic autonomy in space. The company’s involvement in the EU SST program is a prime example of its contribution to building a robust and independent SSA infrastructure for Europe. By improving detection capabilities, expanding coverage, and enhancing the accuracy of the space debris catalog, Aldoria is helping Europe increase its ability to manage space traffic autonomously. This is vital as EU SST aims to significantly increase the use of commercial data, from 5% to 50% by 2026, ensuring Europe’s strategic independence in space operations.

Further enhancing its institutional portfolio, Aldoria has also secured a new 9-month contract with French Space Agency CNES to deliver critical observation data upon demand. This contract involves performing optical measurements across all orbital regimes, as tasked by the agency, to supply data to the French national catalog.

“We’re proud to support the entire satellite lifecycle—from launch with partners like ISAR, through active mission management with SES and U-Space, to life-extension with Infinite Orbits. These collaborations, along with our engagement with institutions like CNES and the EU SST Partnership, are vital to boosting Europe’s strategic autonomy and leadership in space security,” said Romain Lucken, CEO of Aldoria.