French Air and Space Force Commander General Philippe Adam has expressed concern that Europe’s launch capacity shortage could delay the launch of key national security missions.
Speaking at a 14 May French Association of Defense Journalists event, General Adam expressed concern that the launch of the country’s YODA demonstration mission would be pushed out due to delays in the development of Ariane 6.
“We have a problem with launchers,” explained General Adam. “It is not easy to launch a geostationary satellite, even a small one, these days.”
YODA (Yeux en Orbite pour une Démonstration Agile) will consist of two small satellites built by French satellite builder Hemeria in coordination with the French space agency CNES. The 10 to 20-kilogram satellites will be equipped with cameras and, once deployed into geostationary orbit, will tasked with investigating suspicious maneuvers of satellites from Russia and China.
“They come close without identification or coordination. That is dangerous,” explained General Adam. “They’re probably studying how to jam or interrupt a signal. They have not done it yet, but what else could it be for?”
Europe currently does not have access to sovereign GEO launch capabilities following the retirement of Ariane 5. While its replacement Ariane 6 is expected to be debuted between mid-June and late July, its launch backlog is extensive, and higher-priority missions will be given precedence.
Hemeria is expected to deliver the YODA satellites for launch in 2025. “It would be good to launch when they are ready,” said General Adam. “We are looking for a solution for next year.”
Following the launch and successful demonstration of the YODA observation satellites, France plans to launch a follow-up mission called EGIDE. This satellite will have a laser-powered offensive capability that will ensure the safety of French military space assets.
