17 Mar 2025

Loft Orbital, with a European Space Agency (ESA)-funded upgraded Airbus Arrow 150 platform on board, has successfully launched its Longbow YAM-8 satellite on Friday 14 March at 23:43 PT (Saturday 15 March 07:43 CET) on a Transporter-13, taking place at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, United States. The upgrades to the platform were supported under an ESA Pioneer Partnership Project: the In Orbit Demonstrator by Airbus (IODA). 

The YAM-8 will be the first satellite deployed on Airbus’ upgraded Arrow 150 platform which can support multi-mission concepts, technology and in-orbit demonstrations. The launch of YAM-8, which is the first of Loft’s next-gen Longbow satellites, also signifies the first application of the Pioneer IODA development, with Airbus having sold more than 30 platforms to Loft Orbital.

The IODA project represents a collaboration between Airbus France and ESA to facilitate the in-orbit validation of new satellite concepts and demonstrate technological systems, to demonstrate and de-risk missions in low Earth orbit. The development of the innovative upgraded platform came with support from French space agency, CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales). By investing in advanced satellite technologies, ESA strengthens its Member States’ and Europe’s global competitiveness in space capabilities in a growing and increasingly strategic market.

As part of the project, a spacecraft, payload and ground segment were developed with the goal of validating the system in-orbit. With the contribution of IODA, Loft Orbital is using Airbus Arrow 150 platforms in integrating their customers’ payloads, driving its service business model. Loft Orbital has managed to raise over €300 million since it began, completing a Series C funding round in January 2025, raising €170 million.

ESA’s Pioneer programme focuses on supporting new and emerging providers of space-enabled services. Part of the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme within ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications, Pioneer lowers the barrier to space and nurtures a growing and competitive European space ecosystem. The programme works to ensure that such services are validated through at least one Pioneer flight mission, showcasing the service.

“ESA is proud to be supporting Airbus and the wider Loft Orbital launch of YAM-8, a prime demonstration of our expertise and capabilities in the field of innovative satellite platforms. We are committed to enabling such expertise in adding value across our industry and their customers,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

“The launch of Loft’s YAM-8 mission, using the upgraded Airbus Arrow 150 platform, showcases the rich expertise Europe has, with unique and innovative services that will support life on Earth. This is another success of the Pioneer project to enhance the capabilities of our Member States,” said Clive Edwards, ESA’s Pioneer Implementation Manager.

“YAM-8, the first of its kind, represents a major step forward in Loft Orbital’s mission to provide scalable, high-performance satellite solutions. As the inaugural Longbow platform, it enables new levels of capability for our customers, supporting more complex and demanding payloads. The support and collaboration of ESA and CNES in the co-development of this platform have been instrumental in bringing this innovation to the European market and ensuring the success of this mission,” said Emmanuelle Meric, General Manager at Europe, Loft Orbital.

Florence Hauss, Loft Project Manager at Airbus said: “Loft Orbital has successfully launched YAM-8, its first satellite built on the Longbow platform, a key milestone in its partnership with Airbus. This innovative platform, derived from the trusted Airbus Arrow, exemplifies Loft Orbital’s commitment to delivering high-performance, cost-effective satellite solutions, enabling rapid and seamless payload deployment for a new era of space exploration.”

20 Feb 2025

The European Space Agency (ESA) and UK-based New Space company AAC Clyde Space have formed a partnership to drive space-enabled capabilities to support maritime operations across the globe. Worth €0.85 million, the first phase of the project – known as INFLECION – will focus on defining user needs and requirements and is scheduled to be completed by the close of 2025.

Co-funded by the UK Space Agency through ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems (ARTES) Partnership Project programme within ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications, INFLECION – which is worth a proposed total of €30 million – will address the key challenges facing maritime domain awareness. The project is currently planned to be operational in 2028, and will work to enhance safety, efficiency, compliance and sustainability for global maritime stakeholders.

INFLECION is being built to provide real-time insights for vessels, shipping companies, insurers, environmental agencies, and coastal authorities, boosting efficiency, reducing emissions, and combatting illegal activities. The project will develop and leverage VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technologies.

Maritime routes are becoming increasingly congested due to supply-chain disruptions, shifting trade patterns, and geopolitical tensions. With these challenges comes opportunity for satellite communications to support and enhance maritime operations from orbit.

AAC Clyde Space lead a consortium of UK organisations, including AST Marine, Bright Ascension, Craft Prospect, Heriot Watt University, Horizon Technologies, ICEYE UK, Omanos Analytics, Nash Maritime, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Saab UK, and University of Strathclyde.

In addition to supporting customers, the project also algins internationally through the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) e-Navigation strategy. This strategy works to meet current and future user needs of shipping, providing harmonised marine navigation systems as well as supporting shore services, to ensure safer and more efficient navigation.

“Shipping is a critical part of our global economy, responsible for around 90% of world trade. ESA is proud to be supporting and driving the use of satellite communications in the maritime sector, showcasing the vital role such technologies are continuing to play in enabling growth and providing safety for stakeholders across the sector,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “Our partnership with AAC Clyde and its consortium also takes the protection of marine environments into consideration.”

“INFLECION is a key step in AAC Clyde Space’s strategy to grow space data as a service,” says Luis Gomes, CEO of AAC Clyde Space. “With this project, we are using space technology to tackle real challenges in the maritime industry. Together with our partners, we are setting a new standard for safety, efficiency, and sustainability at sea.”

“The technological brilliance of INFLECION is its integration of VDES, SIGINT, and SAR technologies. They offer powerful tools for addressing challenges in global shipping and coastal monitoring. This innovative system will help improve safety, detect illegal activities, and protect critical marine ecosystems,” says Andrew Carrel, President of Data and Services at AAC Clyde Space.