Spaceflux Selected by MDA Space to Deliver Optical Systems for Canadian Space Surveillance Programme
Press Release + Noah Note
LONDON, UK — Spaceflux, the London-based specialist in space domain awareness and space intelligence, has been selected as the optical systems provider by MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA) (NYSE: MDA) for a Canadian space surveillance programme.
The multi-million-dollar contract will see Spaceflux support delivery of three new ground-based telescope observatories in Alberta, Manitoba, and New Brunswick by 2028 for the Canadian Armed Forces under Canada’s “Surveillance of Space 2” programme. The project will bolster Canada’s independent orbital object tracking capacity, provide additional defence capabilities to existing satellite Sapphire’s deep-space monitoring, and deepen the country’s contribution to North American and allied space security.
The deal represents a major success story for the UK space sector, demonstrating how sovereign capabilities developed initially for the UK Ministry of Defence and UK Space Agency (UKSA) are now being adopted by NATO allies to secure the high ground of orbit and space intelligence. Spaceflux’s win follows its rapid ascent as a critical partner for the Ministry of Defence and UK Government.
Having established a proven track record as the primary provider of optical space surveillance data for the UK’s National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC), the company is now translating that domestic success into international growth.
Dr Marco Rocchetto, CEO of Spaceflux said:
“This landmark contract is a direct result of the world-leading, AI-driven orbital intelligence we have built in the UK. Our daily operational work with the UK Space Command, UKSA, and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) demonstrates, with confidence, that Spaceflux delivers at the highest national standards. We are incredibly proud that the credibility we have earned at home is now opening doors for allied sovereign programmes that protect national interests.”
Angus Stewart, Joint Head of the National Space Operations Centre:
“The selection of Spaceflux for this important project in Canada is a brilliant example of how a new generation of British space firms is providing trusted services to our closest allies. The company has a strong track record of supporting the UK’s National Space Operations Centre and this new contract shows the wider value of the government’s investments in space – not only strengthening our national security but creating new export opportunities and deepening existing partnerships. I congratulate Spaceflux on this milestone and look forward to seeing British space technology continue to make its mark on the global stage.”
As space becomes increasingly congested and contested, Canada is investing heavily in its independent ability to detect, track, and characterise objects in orbit. This contract leverages Spaceflux’s high-performance telescope systems and proprietary Cortex AI platform to enable visibility of objects from low Earth orbit (LEO) to the geostationary (GEO) belt. It also highlights the growing collaboration between NATO members in the space domain. With its own global sensor network already spanning five continents, Spaceflux is rapidly becoming the “go-to” mission partner for governments seeking independent, sovereign control over their space domain awareness. This contract serves as a blueprint for future international expansion as Spaceflux continues to safeguard orbital assets for the UK and its allies.
About Spaceflux
Spaceflux is a space intelligence company delivering persistent space domain awareness through a proprietary global optical sensor network and AI-powered Cortex intelligence platform. The company serves as the UK Ministry of Defence’s and UK Space Agency’s national ground-based optical space surveillance provider and works with DSTL on next-generation sensing capabilities. Founded in 2022, headquartered in London, UK, with operations in Italy and sensors across 5 continents, it has become one of the leaders of the global space intelligence industry.
Noah Note: SpaceFlux is an interesting company. They were only founded in 2022 by Dr. Marco Rocchetto of Telescope Live fame. The company specializes in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) & Optical Space Intelligence.
The Company utilizes 70-centimeter to 1-meter class telescopes mounted on fast-tracking systems enhanced by Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) imaging, providing day and night tracking of Space Objects and Debris as small as 10 centimeters across all orbital spectrums, from Low Earth Orbit out to the geostationary and cislunar space.
Supporting this is the companies Cortex AI platform. Cortex employs machine learning to rapidly automate the detection, tracking, and behavioral characterization of objects, allowing operators to predict potential collisions or unexpected maneuvers.
More recently, Spaceflux has begun expanding partnerships, including with the likes of Safran and Optera, to integrate complementary technologies into their architecture, including radar, passive RF, laser ranging, and neuromorphic sensors.
Despite their youth the company has managed to secure several major contracts with the UK government, most recently in November to continue to provide satellite tracking data under the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) framework.
The company is also building a dedicated Ground-Based Surveillance System for the UK Space Command and the UK Space Agency in Cyprus under Project Nyx Alpha. This build off a previous “Infra-Red Sensor Technology Demonstrator System for Space Domain Awareness” contract awarded by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), a UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) executive agency.
It's an interesting area of cooperation between Spaceflux and MDA, and in turn between the UK and Canada. Spaceflux is young, and that does make me skeptical. They have yet to truly proce themselves in my mind, at least enough to just be happy about this.
I do however trust MDA to integrate spaceflux proprietary equipment and software into their own architecture, helping to create a proper Canadian solution. Keep in mind also that Sapphire is ancient. She was first launched in 2013. She isn't lasting much longer, and this new Ground-based Optical Capability needs to be in service for 2028 to ensure that there is no gaps in our space tracking capabilities as we await the space-based portion.
Sapphire is one of the few Space-Based Tracking systems on earth. It is a unique capability to Canada brings to our NATO allies. She was a masterpiece for her time, and losing her will hurt. However, we can hope that her modern replacement proves just as formidable. Sadly it is still several years off, which is why establishing a GBO capability is so important.
When all is said and done though Canada will join a unique, exclusive club of states with both a Ground and Space-Based Optical capability. That is something that we should be very proud and happy about.