European Partnership Advances Space Security Technology
Dawn Aerospace Selected To Power Geostationary Surveillance Satellite
A contract for the development of propulsion systems for Infinite Orbits' upcoming surveillance mission targeting geostationary orbit assets has been secured by Dawn Aerospace. The company says the partnership marks a significant step forward in space-based security technology.
"To develop efficient, innovative, and competitive solutions, we needed to identify strong European partners who share the same NewSpace vision."
Marion Andrieux, Infinite Orbits
The Netherlands-based propulsion company will provide its SatDrive system for the Orbit Guard 3 mission, scheduled to launch in 2027. The mission will demonstrate advanced surveillance and inspection capabilities for protecting strategic satellites in geostationary orbit approximately 22,236 miles above Earth.
Infinite Orbits' Orbit Guard servicers are specialized microsatellites equipped with patented rendezvous technology that enables close-proximity inspections of other spacecraft. The upcoming mission represents the third iteration of the Orbit Guard program, designed to enhance space situational awareness and asset protection in the critical geostationary belt where many commercial and military satellites operate.
"To develop efficient, innovative, and competitive solutions, we needed to identify strong European partners who share the same NewSpace vision," said Marion Andrieux, chief commercial operator at Infinite Orbits. "We found that in our partnership with Dawn Aerospace, and we are glad to have them on board for this remarkable mission."
Dawn Aerospace's SatDrive propulsion system offers six degrees of freedom maneuverability and electronics specifically designed to withstand the harsh radiation environment of geostationary orbit. The company has hardware operating on 35 satellites currently in orbit, serving customers across more than 10 countries.
The collaboration builds on previous projects between the two companies and reflects growing European investment in space security technologies. Jeroen Wink, director and chief revenue officer at Dawn Aerospace, described the selection as "both an honor and a strong endorsement of our system capabilities."
The Orbit Guard 3 mission receives funding through France's national investment strategy, coordinated by the French Space Agency CNES. The France 2030 program allocated 1.55 billion euros to support innovative space companies and maintain France's position among leading space nations.
Our Take
The partnership highlights Europe's growing focus on space security as orbital congestion increases and space-based assets become more critical to national infrastructure.
Geostationary orbit surveillance capabilities help protect billions of dollars in satellite investments and ensure continued operation of essential services like communications, weather monitoring and GPS systems. The mission also demonstrates how smaller, specialized spacecraft can perform complex inspection tasks traditionally requiring larger, more expensive satellites.