New Sovereignty Challenges in Europe and Worldwide: Resilient Space Solutions for a Changing World

In a world defined by shifting geopolitics and the resurgence of intense conflicts in Europe and across the world, nations are facing unprecedented sovereignty challenges. The urgency of secure, sovereign capabilities is driving new requirements for defence communications, Earth observation, and satellite-based navigation. Today, Thales Alenia Space provides solutions with their advanced capabilities needed for this new era of space-enabled defense and autonomy.

The Sovereignty Imperative: Why Secure Space Infrastructure Matters

Space is the ultimate high ground in military operations. Forces across all domains (Air, Navy and Army) face increasing challenges operating without or with very limited space-based infrastructure. Such infrastructure provides critical and robust Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT), highly secure and reliable communications, plus Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).

Recent geopolitical developments have revealed a profound shift: countries are no longer content to rely solely on existing alliances for their critical defense and space needs. Instead, even if they can complement it by less robust and less performant assets, they are seeking national control-true sovereignty-over their data, communications and surveillance capacities. This trend is not limited to Europe; across Africa, Oceania, Asia, the Middle East and South America governments are increasingly interested in European space manufacturers to build independence and resilience in their space activities.

Thales Alenia Space provides trustable, true end-to-end cyber security for all data, communications and surveillance capacities.

Space to Observe, Secure and Defend

At the forefront of this is global transformation, Thales Alenia Space partners with countries to design military and dual-use communications systems that support troops in the field and protect critical national interests. Our advanced optical and radar payloads deliver very-high resolution imaging for Earth observation-empowering governments with the rich, near-real-time data for surveillance, detection and identification of critical areas of interest. Coupled with innovative constellation solutions and multifunction ground segments, we enable both persistent vigilance and operational flexibility.
And our technology goes beyond Observation. The Sicral 3 system, for example, represents the next generation of secure communications, supporting strategic and tactical operations at home and abroad. Built for cybersecurity, these systems put data control back into national hands-no compromises.

High Revisit Frequency: Enhancing Information Intelligence, Security, and Resilience

In today's fast-paced and unpredictable threat landscape, next to very high performance systems, the ability to rapidly access accurate, actionable intelligence for information dominance is pivotal for national security and resilience. Thales Alenia Space's satellite constellations, so called ALL-IN-ONE, deliver frequent, near-real-time Earth observation. This system combines high revisit rates and precise control, enabling 24-hour, all-weather capability, and includes a dedicated ground segment to ensure powerful system reactivity. By integrating our sophisticated Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, leveraging both optical and radar technologies, we provide secure, multi-layered data streams-enabling decision-makers to act decisively, safeguard critical assets, and build greater national resilience in the face of ever-evolving security challenges. The multi-mission ground segment will leverage artificial intelligence to optimize constellation operations, facilitate intelligent tasking, and enable efficient data handling. It will also be integrated with digital service platforms to provide data analytics and value-added services for multiple users.

Connectivity through Multi-Orbit Innovation

As the appetite for connectivity grows, operators are embracing multi-orbit models, harnessing the unique benefits of GEO, MEO and LEO satellites. Thales Alenia Space leads this revolution, with three major operational constellations already in service and industry-firsts such as digital payload processing for terabit-class communications. Our satellites feature powerful fifth - and sixth-generation digital processors, ready to meet evolving operational needs and the ever-increasing demand for resilience, bandwidth and flexibility.

Building a Resilient Space Future

Space is already congested and contested and the threat from both adversaries and from space debris is rapidly increasing. Sovereign space assets must be sustainable and enduring, and it is essential that we ensure the long-term orbital safety of assets.

Our pioneering work in on-orbit servicing vehicles stands testament to this principle. These highly versatile robotic spacecraft will soon conduct repairs, refueling, inspection, and active debris removal-directly in orbit-extending satellite lifespans and mitigating space debris to safeguard the space environment for future generations.

In this dynamic landscape, sovereignty is a necessity. Whether it is secure communications, advanced observation, information intelligence, resilient connectivity, or responsible stewardship of space, Thales Alenia Space stands as a trusted partner for our customers across Europe and around the world. Together, we are advancing intelligence, strengthening security, and building resilience - shaping a more secure, autonomous, and sustainable future, both on Earth and beyond.

Visit Thales Alenia Space at DSEI 2025

Visit us at DSEI 2025 (Thales stand S8-110) to discover more about how Thales Alenia Space's secure connectivity solutions, high-precision observation capabilities, and advanced, flexible satellite platforms enable our customers to safe guard critical assets and operate with confidence.