A New Step for Space Security
SkyFortress space resilience is now a core focus for France as global pressure on space assets grows. Nations want secure space links to protect economic and political strength. Because of this, France now moves fast to boost the strength of its ground networks. Recent attacks on European ground sites during the Russia–Ukraine conflict exposed real weak points. These events proved that space missions can fail if ground systems are not ready to resist shocks.
France now answers this risk with a new project that blends innovation, defence needs, and commercial skill. This project is SkyFortress.
A Joint Effort to Strengthen Space Links
The Defense Innovation Agency (AID) and Skynopy have launched the SkyFortress Innovation Acceleration Project. Their aim is clear. They want to test how a hybrid ground station network can keep space links alive during stress. These links support satellite control, mission data, and secure contact between orbit and Earth.
By building a stronger chain from ground to orbit, the project hopes to raise the nation’s ability to react fast during threats. This is key for the French Armed Forces, which depend on constant space support for operations.
A System Built for Flexibility and Speed
The SkyFortress experiment uses Skynopy’s advanced orchestration tools. These tools pick, start, and reconfigure ground stations according to mission needs. They work in real time. They also switch between stations to keep links active even under strain.
This dynamic method improves both strength and speed. It means that if one station fails, another can step in at once. This ensures mission continuity and supports secure operations. At first, the test will use commercial satellites. Later, it will expand to military assets.
Such work aligns with the goals of the Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs. The ministry now views the ground segment as a major strategic asset. With rising tensions in space, it is vital to protect the full chain of operations. SkyFortress space resilience supports this need.
A Sign of Growing Commercial Role in Defence
SkyFortress also highlights a broader shift in defence strategy. Commercial firms now play a growing part in France’s space defence posture. Private actors can move fast and scale fast. This supports national needs in an era where space power changes month by month.
Skynopy is part of this momentum. Its tools support global satellite operators and now the French defence sector. This mix of civil and military use shows how the industry evolves.
Skynopy’s Rise in the Space Sector
Skynopy, founded in 2023 by Pierre Bertrand and Antonin Hirsch, has grown at high speed. Its service gives operators simple, fast, and reliable access to spacecraft. In only 18 months, the firm built a network of 17 active sites. These sites now support close to ten satellite operators.
The company is also scaling with the AKAR project, built with Eutelsat. This programme will create the first S-, X-, and Ka-band ground station network with real-time, high-rate links. It will support Earth observation satellites that need fast image and data flow.
This capacity will further support SkyFortress space resilience as the defence sector seeks modern tools that can adapt at once.
A Strategic Move for the Future
SkyFortress marks a shift in how France protects its space systems. The project blends military needs with commercial skill and rapid tech growth. France wants systems that stay strong during conflict and react fast during crisis.
Skynopy’s network and AID’s guidance, the project supports this goal. It also shows that space security now depends as much on ground strength as on satellites.
As France builds new defence tools, SkyFortress space resilience will remain a core mission.
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