Aldoria Secures Key Contract with U-Space, Boosting Nano Satellite Mission Safety

 September 17, 2024

Aldoria, a European leader in Space Situational Awareness (SSA), has signed a contract with U-Space, a pioneering French company specializing in the design and manufacture of small satellites weighing up to 150kg. Under this contract, Aldoria will support two U-Space nano-satellite missions set for launch in February 2025 aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 (Transporter 15). One of these satellites will focus on scientific research, while the other will serve as an in-orbit demonstration. Aldoria’s role will be crucial in providing detailed collision risk analysis to safeguard these missions.

The global nano-satellite market is flourishing, with its value expected to reach $18.3 billion by 2033 (micro-satellites included), driven by an average annual growth rate of 15%. As the number of nano-satellites and other space objects in Earth's orbit continues to rise, the risk of in-orbit collisions becomes an increasingly pressing concern.

To answer this critical risk, Aldoria offers a comprehensive suite of SSA services designed to optimize the safety and performance of nano-satellite missions. Leveraging its proprietary network of ground-based optical sensors, Aldoria will offer U-Space insights into safe operations. Central to this contract is Aldoria’s detailed assessments of collision risks. By analyzing evolving orbital parameters, Aldoria can predict potential collision scenarios and provide U-Space with recommendations to mitigate these risks. By optimizing mission design through reduction of collision risks, Aldoria offers solutions that minimize fuel consumption while maximizing mission longevity.

“Given the shorter mission lifespans of nano-satellites, even a minor collision can result in significant data loss, financial repercussions, or asset damage. At Aldoria, we are not only safeguarding these critical missions but also proactively positioning our clients to stay ahead of upcoming regulatory standards. By anticipating and exceeding these evolving requirements, we ensure that our partners are at the forefront of safe and sustainable space operations” said Mylene Bosio, VP Marketing & Sales

“We are happy to work with Aldoria which is a pioneer in delivering services that helps us secure our customers’ operations in space” highlighted Fabien Apper, CEO of U-Space

As the European Union prepares to introduce new space traffic management rules under the upcoming EU Space Law, expected to be published in late 2024, Aldoria is also positioning USpace to meet future requirements. These new regulations will focus on preventing collisions and limiting the creation of space debris, making Aldoria’s SSA capabilities increasingly relevant.

This contract between Aldoria and U-Space is a strategic move to address the growing challenges of debris mitigation and regulation. By ensuring that U-Space’s missions are designed with the highest standards of safety and sustainability, Aldoria is contributing to the long-term viability of space operations. About Aldoria Aldoria collects, processes, and leverages space situational awareness data to protect critical assets in space. By actively monitoring space debris, satellites, and derelicts, Aldoria helps operators and space agencies proactively avoid threats and adjust orbital paths.