Look Up selects Skynopy for ATLAS² program aimed at creating automated collision avoidance technology
PARIS — Two fast-growing French space companies are working together on a project that could help make Earth’s increasingly crowded orbit safer for satellites.
Look Up, a European space safety company based in France, has selected Skynopy to provide critical ground station services for its ATLAS² program. The initiative aims to create what organizers describe as the world’s first fully automated end-to-end collision avoidance system for satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit.
The announcement represents a major step forward for Europe’s efforts to develop independent space safety capabilities as satellite traffic continues to increase.
Thousands of active satellites currently orbit Earth. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of debris fragments travel at extremely high speeds, creating growing risks for satellite operators.
Rising concerns over orbital congestion
Space traffic has increased dramatically during the past decade.
Commercial satellite constellations, government missions and scientific programs have all contributed to a more crowded environment in Low Earth Orbit.
Industry experts warn that even a small piece of debris can cause significant damage when traveling at orbital speeds.
Consequently, satellite operators need better tools to detect threats and respond quickly.
Look Up’s ATLAS² program seeks to address that challenge by connecting space surveillance directly to satellite operations.
The project receives support from the European Innovation Council Accelerator Challenge and focuses on developing a sovereign European alternative to existing space surveillance systems.
Advanced technology designed to detect threats
The program combines two key technologies developed by Look Up.
The first is SORASYS, a network of seven high-precision radar systems deployed across European sovereign territories. Those radars can detect and track small debris objects that could threaten satellites.
The second technology is SYNAPSE, a digital data platform that analyzes information from multiple sources and identifies potential collision risks.
Together, the systems provide operators with real-time awareness of orbital conditions.
However, detecting a threat is only part of the solution.
Satellite operators must also communicate with spacecraft quickly enough to perform avoidance maneuvers.
That requirement led Look Up to partner with Skynopy.
Skynopy brings automation to the project
Founded in 2023, Skynopy specializes in software-defined satellite connectivity services.
The company currently operates a network of 17 ground station sites and supports several satellite operators across Europe.
Under the agreement, Skynopy will develop the ground segment interface connecting its network directly to Look Up’s collision avoidance platform.
The project will unfold in two phases.
Engineers will first create the system architecture and conduct simulations. Later phases will include testing with an operational satellite in orbit.
If successful, the demonstration will show a complete chain of events from threat detection to automated satellite maneuver execution.
Strengthening European space independence
European leaders continue investing in technologies that reduce dependence on foreign space infrastructure.
Look Up co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Michel Friedling said the project represents an important step toward connecting orbital threat detection directly to operational action.
The partnership also highlights the growing strength of Europe’s NewSpace sector.
As satellite launches continue increasing worldwide, industry leaders believe automated collision avoidance systems could become essential tools for protecting spacecraft and maintaining safe access to orbit.
Company Information
Look Up
Headquarters: Toulouse, France
Website: www.lookupspace.com
Founded: 2022
Skynopy
Headquarters: Paris, France
Website: www.skynopy.fr
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