Infinite Orbits has officially chosen Simera Sense to supply a crucial optical payload for its Orbit Guard™ mission, a project focused on enhancing Space Situational Awareness (SSA). This collaboration is a key component of the France 2030 program, an initiative managed by the French Space Agency, CNES, to bolster the nation's technological sovereignty.
Under the terms of the agreement, Simera Sense will provide a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) optical instrument. This payload will operate alongside Infinite Orbits' own sensor systems, creating a multi-faceted surveillance platform designed to monitor objects in orbit.
Key Takeaways
- Infinite Orbits and Simera Sense have signed a contract for a space surveillance mission payload.
- The mission, Orbit Guard™, is funded by the French government's France 2030 program and led by CNES.
- Simera Sense will supply a COTS optical payload for Non-Earth Imaging (NEI) to track orbital objects.
- The collaboration aims to address the growing demand for reliable Space Situational Awareness (SSA) solutions.
A Strategic Partnership for Space Surveillance
The agreement between Infinite Orbits and Simera Sense marks a significant development in Europe's commercial space sector. The collaboration brings together Infinite Orbits' expertise in satellite mission design with Simera Sense's proven track record in developing high-performance optical payloads for small satellites (SmallSats).
This mission is positioned at the forefront of European space technology, utilizing in-situ sensors to gather data directly from orbit. The primary goal is to improve the ability to track and characterize satellites, space debris, and other objects, which is essential for the safety and security of space operations.
Adel Haddoud, CEO of Infinite Orbits, highlighted the importance of integrating multiple sensor types. "Our partnership with Simera Sense represents an important collaboration, accomplished by integrating and relaying different sensor subsystems for optical payloads," he stated. Haddoud added that this combined approach creates a more comprehensive and resilient system.
"This joint effort ensures a robust solution designed to meet the growing needs of the market."
- Adel Haddoud, CEO, Infinite Orbits
The Technology Behind the Mission
At the core of this partnership is the optical payload provided by Simera Sense. The instrument is a COTS product, which means it is a standardized, pre-existing design. This approach significantly reduces development time and costs compared to building a custom payload from scratch.
The payload's main function is to conduct Non-Earth Imaging (NEI) in the visible light spectrum. Unlike Earth observation cameras that point downwards, NEI instruments look out into space to detect, track, and image other orbiting objects. This capability is fundamental to modern SSA.
What is Non-Earth Imaging (NEI)?
Non-Earth Imaging involves using space-based telescopes or cameras to observe other objects in space rather than the surface of the Earth. This is critical for Space Situational Awareness, as it allows for the tracking of active satellites, defunct spacecraft, and dangerous space debris from a vantage point in orbit, free from atmospheric distortion.
Simera Sense has an established portfolio of optical instruments designed for various observation applications. Their product line includes:
- xScape50: A compact 1U payload offering a resolution of 30 meters.
- xScape100: A 1.5U payload with a higher resolution of 4.75 meters.
- xScape200: A larger 12U instrument capable of 1.5-meter resolution.
The specific model for the Orbit Guard™ mission will be integrated as a complementary subsystem, adding a layer of visual data to the information collected by Infinite Orbits' primary sensors.
France 2030 and Sovereign Space Capabilities
This project is not an isolated commercial venture; it is backed by the French government as part of the ambitious France 2030 investment plan. Managed by CNES, the program aims to position France as a global leader in key technological sectors, including the rapidly evolving space industry.
By funding projects like Orbit Guard™, the French government seeks to develop sovereign SSA capabilities. This means having the independent ability to monitor space without relying on data from other nations or commercial entities. Such capabilities are considered vital for national security, economic stability, and the protection of critical space infrastructure like communication and navigation satellites.
The Growing SSA Market
The market for Space Situational Awareness is expanding rapidly. According to industry reports, this growth is driven by the increasing number of satellites in orbit and the corresponding rise in space debris. Experts predict the global SSA market will grow from approximately $1.5 billion to over $2.5 billion by the end of the decade.
Kammy Brun, the Managing Director of Simera Sense France, emphasized the project's strategic importance. "The SSA market is experiencing exponential growth with demands for reliable and sovereign solutions," she said. The investment from France 2030 is a clear indicator of the government's commitment to fostering a domestic ecosystem of innovative space companies.
Future Plans and Market Leadership
For Simera Sense, this contract is a major validation of its technology and business model. The company has already successfully deployed over forty payloads in orbit, establishing itself as a reliable supplier in the competitive "New Space" market.
Brun noted that this partnership is a stepping stone for future developments. "This contract is just the beginning. At Simera Sense, our mission is to continuously innovate," she explained. The company plans to leverage the experience gained from this mission for its next major project: a new SSA-dedicated payload currently under development at its facility in Toulouse, France.
"We will leverage our expertise and heritage in our upcoming SSA-dedicated payload, to be developed in Toulouse, France, to fulfill these market needs."
- Kammy Brun, Managing Director, Simera Sense France
The collaboration between Infinite Orbits and Simera Sense demonstrates a growing trend in the space industry: specialized companies partnering to deliver complex, integrated solutions. As the number of objects in orbit continues to climb, the demand for advanced, reliable, and increasingly autonomous SSA systems is expected to grow, creating significant opportunities for companies at the forefront of this technology.