Following the announcement by the Ministry of Defense on September 17th 2024, U-Space is honored to announce the launch, in partnership with MBDA, of the TOUTATIS (Test en Orbite d’Utilisation de Techniques d’Action contre les Tentatives d’Ingérences Spatiale) framework agreement notified by the Agence Innovation Défense (AID). This project aims for a first national space demonstration implementing a complete engagement chain in Low Earth Orbit on behalf of the Commandement de l’Espace (CDE).
The space defense strategy, developed by the Ministry of Defense at the request of the President of the Republic, has highlighted space as a new domain of conflict. Identified as a priority in the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law, this strategy is particularly intended to develop a series of demonstrators to prepare the technologies and concepts that will allow the defense of the sovereign interests of France and its allies in orbit.
TOUTATIS aims to experiment with a first operational capability in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), through a space demonstration mission implementing a complete engagement chain with technologies derived from open innovation. For this purpose, two satellites will be deployed : SPLINTER, the low Earth orbit action satellite equipped with high maneuverability capabilities, a set of subsystems enabling autonomous approach, and a simulated effector; and LISA-1, the space surveillance satellite with enhanced observation capabilities from orbit (Space-based Space Situation Awareness).
U-Space, a designer and manufacturer of smallsatellites, and MBDA, a European leader in complex weapon systems, are combining their expertise to develop orbit engagement concepts. Leveraging U-SPACE’s space expertise and MBDA’s extensive experience in effects and military engagements, TOUTATIS will benefit from the unique complementarity of structures, skills, and products offered by the collaboration between a startup like U-Space and a European multinational group like MBDA. U-Space and MBDA share a vision of space as sustainable and freely accessible. The responsible use of space is a fundamental principle that must be safeguarded.