France plans to launch a maneuverable satellite into low Earth orbit in the next two years. The satellite will be able to target other satellites, demonstrating the country’s ability to protect its space assets. The satellite, called Splinter, will be supplied by French nanosatellite builder U-Space in partnership with missile maker MBDA. The demonstrator won’t be weaponized but may include a “dazzling” capacity.
The overall project, dubbed Toutatis, will also include a low Earth orbit observation satellite called Lisa-1. France aims to launch Splinter within the next 12 to 24 months to test operational scenarios. The move is a response to the growing threats in space from adversaries, including Russia. French officials emphasized the need to better understand and actively oppose any misconduct in space.
France’s military space spending was around $1.3 billion in 2023, making it the world’s fourth-biggest spender on space defense and security. While the country doesn’t prioritize destructive space arms, it focuses on deterrence by having means of action and dissuasion. Satellite Yoda, an experimental patroller nanosatellite, has been delayed due to a lack of available launch slots.
MBDA has been experimenting with laser weapons and will be involved in France’s space defense efforts. The company aims to bring defense to low Earth orbit to deal with real threats. The Space Command intends to handle suspicious activities in LEO reactively. Macron is working on fortifying defense strategies to protect space assets.
