French technology company Thales is building a powerful new radar system to keep watch over satellites and space debris orbiting the Earth. The system, called AURORE, will be the first of its kind in Europe and will help protect European interests in space.
The French government’s defence agency has asked Thales to design and build the radar as part of its ARES space security programme. Construction will take place at Thales’s site in Limours, near Paris.
The AURORE radar will track thousands of objects flying in low orbit — from old rocket parts to active satellites. By using advanced radio waves, it can spot and follow many targets at the same time, giving Europe a clearer picture of what is happening above the planet.
Thales says the system will play an important role as space becomes more crowded and more contested. The company adds that AURORE will strengthen Europe’s ability to detect potential threats and improve safety for satellites used in communication, navigation, and defence.
Patrice Caine, Thales’s Chief Executive, said: “With AURORE, the only radar of its kind in Europe, Thales is helping France and Europe protect their independence in space.” The project is seen as a step toward greater European control over space technology and security in the years to come.
