Loft, in partnership with Magellium Artal Group, today announced the signing of a multi-year contract worth up to tens of millions of euros by the French Space Agency (CNES) for the deployment of a next-generation Earth observation constellation. As part of the France 2030 program, the constellation will provide rapid revisit and faster access to actionable intelligence, with the first satellite scheduled to launch in Q4 2026.
“This program represents a leap forward for operationalizing the benefits of AI in space, driving a new generation of space systems that will ultimately be capable of continuously delivering actionable intelligence in minutes,” said Pierre-Damien Vaujour, CEO of Loft. “Loft is emerging as a world leader in AI-enabled space infrastructure, guaranteeing French sovereign access to novel capabilities in line with the objectives of France 2030.”
Serving diverse civil and defense use cases
The launch of this program is part of a rapid transformation of institutional needs for reliable, ready-to-use information. Rapid global change is driving public entities to invest in proactive, Earth observation capabilities that support civil security, maritime activities, disaster response, and environmental monitoring.
AI-enabled satellites designed for on-orbit data fusion and persistent monitoring
At the core of the program is a constellation of 10 satellites built around a multi-sensor architecture. Each satellite integrates a range of complementary sensors, including optical, thermal infrared, hyperspectral, and radiofrequency, enabling simultaneous observation across multiple data layers. This approach provides a more complete understanding of a given area and enhances the ability to detect and analyze complex situations.
The system also incorporates advanced onboard computing capabilities. Leveraging powerful processors and software applications, including AI-based models, satellites can filter data, identify relevant signals or changes, and accelerate how quickly information can be exploited. By processing data directly in orbit, the system enables faster delivery of actionable insights.
A sovereign user ground segment for data processing
The program will include a sovereign user ground segment, developed and operated by Magellium Artal Group. With internationally recognized expertise in Earth observation, Magellium Artal Group will ensure secure processing and data quality monitoring. By deploying the ground segment on a dedicated infrastructure, Magellium Artal Group will help guarantee control of the data chain to institutional users, in compliance with security and sovereignty requirements.
Signed with CNES, acting on behalf of the Ministries of Defence, Security and the Environment, this contract reflects renewed confidence in Loft. It confirms the company’s ability to meet demanding Earth observation needs and sovereign security requirements for diverse government needs. It also represents a fundamental evolution of the European space ecosystem towards more integrated, agile systems designed for operational uses.
