Munich’s Project-S: New Startup Tackles Space Situational Awareness
Emerging from Stealth
Project-S, a Munich-based startup focusing on space situational awareness, has publicly unveiled itself with significant funding. The company has secured what it calls a “multi-million-euro” backing, led by Greek venture capital fund Uni.Fund II, along with non-dilutive support from the German government and ESA-linked public innovation programs.
Upcoming Innovations
The startup is preparing for its first in-orbit demonstration of active radar technology, scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission next month. Project-S aims to develop systems that can detect smaller orbital threats and model their paths, enhancing the safety of satellite operations.
Technology Overview
Project-S plans to utilize compact space-based active radar combined with an AI-enabled orbital-intelligence system. This approach is designed to track objects in orbit, assess collision risks, and inform satellite operators of possible avoidance strategies.
Future of Space Safety
CEO Leonidas Askianakis emphasized the growing importance of safety in the evolving space economy, stating, “Safety must scale with it.” The company aims to empower operators to better understand and mitigate smaller threats to maintain orbital access for future generations.
Industry Context
According to ESA’s recent Space Environment Report, there are approximately 54,000 objects larger than 10 cm orbiting Earth and 1.2 million objects between 1 and 10 cm. Project-S is particularly focused on the latter size range, which poses a significant risk in terms of collision.
Looking Ahead
While Project-S is gearing up for its radar system demonstration next month, it has not yet detailed when its broader capabilities will be operational. The startup’s innovative approaches could significantly contribute to the safety and sustainability of future space endeavors.
