Tag: France
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Eutelsat Orders GEO Satellite Life Extension Mission from Infinite Orbits
Eutelsat has selected French in-orbit servicing company Infinite Orbits to extend the operational life of at least one satellite in its geostationary fleet, the companies announced September 10 during the International Space Summit in Paris. The agreement gives Infinite Orbits its third commercial life-extension customer and expands the order book for its Endurance servicing spacecraft.…
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Royal Group of Abu Dhabi Backs $1 Billion Expansion of Altair AI Imaging Constellation to 50 Satellites
Loft Orbital and UAE-based Marlan Space announced on September 9 a $1 billion commitment led by the Royal Group of Abu Dhabi to expand the Altair Earth observation constellation from 10 to 50 satellites. The spacecraft will combine optical and synthetic aperture radar imaging with onboard artificial intelligence, serving government and commercial customers in the…
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SpaceX and Blue Origin Withdraw From Paris Space Summit After White House Warning
SpaceX, Blue Origin, Stoke Space and Starcloud withdrew from French President Emmanuel Macron’s International Space Summit in Paris after the White House warned that participation could be interpreted as support for European Union space policies. France’s government confirmed the four withdrawals on September 3, 2026, ahead of the September 9–10 event. The cancellations remove two…
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MaiaSpace Avoids Dissolution Despite 2025 Loss as ArianeGroup Backs Launcher Development
MaiaSpace will continue operating after its parent company, ArianeGroup, decided not to dissolve the French launch startup despite a significant financial loss in 2025 that left its shareholders’ equity below zero. Financial statements filed on July 22, 2026, showed MaiaSpace recorded a net loss of €37.5 million during 2025. Although the company ended the year…
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Wildfire Smoke from Canada Crosses into the United States: How Satellite Data Supports Wildfire Monitoring and Environmental Management
In mid-July 2026, smoke from wildfires burning across central Canada continued spreading southeast across the U.S.-Canada border, pushing Detroit’s Air Quality Index to its highest reported level since monitoring began in 1999. Several cities were listed among the most polluted major cities in the world during this period. A watercraft sits in the Detroit River…
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AMOS Selected to Build PROVIDENCE Space Surveillance Telescope for France
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…
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Commercial Space Federation Adds Overview Energy, Loft Orbital, and Star Catcher as Associate Members
The Commercial Space Federation (CSF) has welcomed Overview Energy, Loft Orbital, and Star Catcher as new associate members, expanding the organization’s network with companies developing technologies for space-based energy, satellite deployment, and orbital power infrastructure. Astronomy The additions reflect growing industry efforts to build the next generation of commercial space capabilities, ranging from in-orbit energy…
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International Space University to Restructure After Strasbourg Campus Liquidation
The International Space University (ISU) is preparing to restructure its operations after the French courts ordered the liquidation of its central campus in Strasbourg, a decision that has disrupted academic programs while prompting the organization to reassess its long-term business model. The liquidation has affected current students enrolled at the Strasbourg campus, with some completing…
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Unseenlabs Orders Two More RF Surveillance Cubesats From GomSpace
French radio frequency (RF) detection specialist Unseenlabs has awarded GomSpace a €2.2 million (US$2.5 million) contract to build two additional cubesats, further expanding its space-based maritime surveillance constellation. The satellites will be manufactured using GomSpace’s 8U cubesat platform and are scheduled for delivery in 2027. Constellation Expansion Continues The latest order increases the total number…
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Vast Space Targets French Market with Two Crewed Station Missions
How is Vast Space expanding its commercial station services into Europe? Vast has announced its first major European expansion, committing to two dedicated crewed missions carrying French astronauts to its Haven-1 commercial space station. The Long Beach-based startup plans to launch these missions following Haven-1’s operational debut in 2025, positioning itself as a key player…