Belgian optical systems company AMOS has been selected by the French aerospace research agency ONERA to design and manufacture PROVIDENCE, a ground-based telescope intended to support space surveillance operations for the French Air and Space Force.
Astronomy
The 2.5-meter telescope is scheduled to enter service in early 2029 and will be installed at the Haute-Provence Observatory in southeastern France.
Telescope to Support Space Surveillance
ONERA announced the contract award on July 22, 2026, following preliminary studies that began in 2020. The Haute-Provence Observatory was chosen as the project’s host site in November 2023.
According to ONERA, PROVIDENCE will be capable of monitoring, identifying and characterizing satellites operating in low Earth orbit.
The agency said the telescope is expected to identify and track satellites with a resolution of 10 centimeters at a distance of 500 kilometers, describing the capability as unique in Europe.
“Capable of monitoring, identifying and characterising the space environment, this new asset will ultimately make it possible to assess the impacts and effects of actions, whether kinetic or laser-based, in space, in support of French sovereignty,” said Emmanuel Chiva, chairman and chief executive officer of ONERA.
“As with the GRAVES system, ONERA is helping through this project to place France among the very select group of the world’s leading military powers capable of monitoring and acting in space.”
Military and Scientific Applications
In addition to supporting the French Air and Space Force’s space surveillance activities, PROVIDENCE will also be available for civilian scientific research.
ONERA said the telescope will contribute to observations of the asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth in 2029.
The facility will also be accessible to French and European universities, research organizations, start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, industrial partners and public institutions.
Funding Support
ONERA did not disclose the total value of the project.
The agency said the European Regional Development Fund has committed €8.7 million toward €14.5 million in eligible project expenditure.
Additional financial support will be provided by the French Defence Innovation Agency and the Directorate General of Armaments.
