- LMO and In-Space Missions Ltd are collaborating to explore small satellite platforms for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) as part of LMO’s AUREA programme.
- The AUREA programme focuses on multi-sensor technologies and has funding from Luxembourg’s Directorate of Defence to support capabilities for Luxembourg and its NATO Allies.
September 15, 2023, Luxembourg & UK: LMO, a dual-use space company based in Luxembourg and the UK, has partnered with In-Space Missions Ltd to explore the use of small satellite platforms for Space Domain Awareness (SDA). This collaboration is part of LMO’s AUREA (Autonomous Recognition of Foreign Assets) programme. In-Space Missions, a subsidiary of BAE Systems, will study the mission scope of a space-based SDA demonstrator small satellite and develop a software stack on the ground to demonstrate end-user compatibility.
Michel Poucet, CEO of LMO, stated, “Partnering with In-Space Missions will allow us to accelerate the validation process of our Protect and Defend architecture, and demonstrate our core SDA capability to end users within NATO and the Five Eyes.”
Doug Liddle, CEO of In-Space Missions, added, “As an important step forward in growing these capabilities, In-Space is delighted to be working on this project with LMO – a company recognised as a domain leader in space domain awareness.”
The AUREA programme will focus on multi-sensor and multi-modal technologies, including optical, LiDAR, and radar instruments. A simulator of the on-board computer will be delivered to LMO for full end-to-end testing of the software, setting the stage for the launch of an AUREA SDA demonstration mission.
Colonel Guy Hoffman, Luxembourg National Armaments Director, emphasized, “Domain Awareness is essential for informed decision-making and thus a priority for Luxembourg Directorate of Defence’s space strategy.”
The study will work to define mission requirements, characterise the constraints of the satellite platform and avionics, and identify any development gaps. It will also assess real-time on-edge processing needs and determine the number of satellites required to deliver LMO’s full AUREA SDA service.
The AUREA programme has received funding from Luxembourg’s Directorate of Defence to support the development of capabilities for Luxembourg and its European and NATO Allies, such as the UK.
