Paris Invests In Sovereign Radar Imaging Capability
The French government has launched a new program to develop a space-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capability, partnering with US startup Loft Orbital, Thales Alenia Space, and TEKEVER France. The contract, signed with the French military’s acquisition unit and the national space agency, aims to develop and launch a demonstration satellite by 2029. This effort represents a major milestone in France’s pursuit of strategic autonomy in space, following decades of relying on German SAR-Lupe constellation for radar imagery. The program was announced by Loft Orbital, with the contract’s value reported to be around €50 million, according to Payload, as reported by Breaking Defense.