France Unveils Low-Earth Orbit Space Surveillance Program at Space Defense and Security Summit

The French Defense Innovation Agency (DGA) and the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) unveiled their latest initiative aimed at strengthening space surveillance and defense capabilities at the recent Space Defense and Security Summit.

The ambitious program, called Toutatis, marks a significant step in enhancing France's ability to protect its assets in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

In a collaboration between French startup U-space and multinational missile manufacturer MBDA, the program will develop two satellites designed to demonstrate advanced spacecraft detection, characterization, and targeting. The Toutatis program consists of two key components: a 12-unit "Spotter" cubesat and a smaller target cubesat.

While no official launch date has been confirmed, experts predict that these satellites could reach orbit in the next few years, offering France new tools to secure its interests in space.

Active Defense for Space Assets

The Toutatis initiative reflects France’s growing emphasis on "active defense capabilities" in space.

According to Eva Portier, DGA Deputy for Space, the program will contribute to defending France’s vital space infrastructure by increasing situational awareness and creating a direct response mechanism to potential threats.

The DGA is committed to safeguarding assets within a 36,000-kilometer radius of Earth, which includes the geostationary orbit (GEO) region, home to many critical communication and defense satellites.

The Growing Need for Space Situational Awareness

As more satellites, both commercial and military, are launched into space, the need for advanced space situational awareness (SSA) tools has never been more critical.

France is already working on surveillance in geosynchronous orbit with a project called Yoda, which involves the deployment of two small satellites currently under construction by Hemeria. Equipped with cameras from the French space agency CNES, these satellites will be tasked with monitoring space-based threats.

The new initiative complements existing efforts and reinforces France's commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of its space assets.

Strengthening National Defense Through Innovation

France’s annual military space exercise, AsterX, highlights the ongoing demand for improved space situational awareness and operational readiness in space. During these exercises, French military personnel simulate space warfare scenarios, allowing them to test their capabilities and identify gaps in their defense infrastructure.

The Toutatis program is designed to address some of these gaps by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and partnerships with private industry.

Maj. Gen. Patrick Aufort, director of the French Defense Innovation Agency, noted that Toutatis exemplifies France’s strategy to harness the innovative potential of the NewSpace sector. The sector, driven by startups like U-space and supported by established defense companies like MBDA, is rapidly expanding, allowing France to adopt new technologies faster and more efficiently. By working closely with private industry, the DGA aims to remain at the forefront of space defense innovation.

The Future of France’s Space Defense

As competition and potential threats in space increase, France’s efforts to develop an active defense capability in space are seen as essential to maintaining its sovereignty and national security.

While the timeline for the Toutatis program remains uncertain, the announcement at the Space Defense and Security Summit signals a strong commitment by France to bolster its space situational awareness and defense capabilities. The deployment of the Spotter and target satellites will provide valuable data and experience for future space defense systems, ensuring that France remains well-prepared for the challenges of an increasingly contested space environment.