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SOAP

First French and European satellite to detect objects and space debris in low-Earth orbit

Client
CNES
Launch date
15/03/2025
Satellite's size
12U
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SOAP
Presentation

SOAP is one of the first two 12Us launched and operated by U-Space in space. Equipped with an Airbus-developed payload (visible imager), the satellite collects Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) data to help make space safer.
Its mission is to detect debris and objects in space in order to improve our knowledge of their presence and position, enabling us to react and make faster decisions, particularly to protect space assets. This demonstrator demonstrates the complementarity of SST services in space, with terrestrial sensors

Solutions offered

First european SSA-dedicated nanosatellite

SOAP is Europe’s first SSA-dedicated smallsatellite, giving U-Space a unique Know-how and flight heritage in that regard

Prime positioning

Perfectly representing our offering, SOAP is a complete delivery where U-Space is acting as Prime: Design studies, manufacture, testing and integration, support for launch and ongoing satellite operations

Easy satellite tasking

U-space deployed its SCC (Simple Control Center) providing Airbus (P/L operator) with a simple interface to task the satellite and connected to their Mission Control Center (MCC)

Obtained results

As an SSA mission, most supplied data are confidential. Nevertheless, we can communicate that our satellite is currently producing 200 acquisitions per day, with a performance ramp up over the coming months targeting several hundreds acquisitions per day. We were also able to perform accurate lunar calibration. As a major highlight, all our teams were in awe with the first images received from SOAP, where we were able to observe Earth’s atmosphere limb.

Testimonials

Parce que chaque mission commence par une vision partagée, nos clients témoignent de l’aventure U-Space.

“Travailler avec U-Space a été une expérience remarquable. Leur compréhension fine de nos enjeux, leur flexibilité et leur maîtrise technique ont été clés dans la réussite de notre mission orbitale.”

Annette Black Marketing Coordinator

“U-Space a su allier rigueur technologique et esprit d’innovation pour donner vie à notre projet. Leur équipe a été présente à chaque étape, avec une disponibilité et un professionnalisme rares.”

Ronald Richards President of Sales