Paris, 18 novembre 2024
The French Defense Innovation Agency selects Dark to study the interception of dangerous orbital objects.
The Salazar simulation, designed by Dark, a French company specializing in defense and space security, has been selected by the French Defense Innovation Agency (AID) as part of a concept study. The goal is to simulate the interception of dangerous space objects. Salazar replicates all stages of the operation of Interceptor, the company’s first emergency system developed to capture hazardous objects in orbit.
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Space has become a new arena for rivalry and potential confrontations. In recent years, threatening behavior has increased. As dependence on space intensifies, this context justifies the development of responsive capabilities. With Interceptor, Dark offers solutions adapted to these new threats, requiring rapid and on-demand interventions.
Salazar - Developed internally, the Salazar simulation coordinates various digital models that retrace the operational sequence of Interceptor, from the ground preparation phase to interception, capture, and return of the object from orbit. Salazar not only provides future users with a vision of potential outcomes but also allows the adaptation of future technologies based on this feedback.
Based on the orbital parameters of a target, Dark proposes an optimized interception scenario, integrating mission strategy, performance, and timing. As part of this study, the French Defense Innovation Agency will submit a fictional target to Dark, equipped with evasion or alert systems, to which Dark will respond by presenting several possible interception scenarios.
A dual role in space defense and security - In 2023, Dark conducted an emergency interception study for CNES, targeting a piece of space debris. This study marked the first test of Dark’s simulations, allowing operational improvements to be gathered, particularly by identifying mission segments requiring autonomous operations and proving its dual-use potential.
About Dark
Founded in 2022 by Clyde Laheyne and Guillaume Orvain, Dark is a French company specializing in space defense. It is developing an emergency intervention system designed to capture dangerous objects in orbit. Fully funded by private investments, Dark is supported by strategic funds such as Eurazeo, Frst, Kima Ventures, and Long Journey Ventures, Arielle Zuckerberg's fund.
About the Defense Innovation Agency (AID)
Placed under the responsibility of the Director of the Armament General Directorate (DGA), the French defence innovation agency (AID) federates innovation initiatives of the Ministry of the Armed Forces by ensuring the coordination and coherence of all innovation approaches. While continuing work on technological innovation over the long term, AID is the sensor of opportunity innovations for the benefit of all end-users regardless of their fields: conduct of operations, equipment, support, operations, administration.
Contact:
Communication department, agence-innovation-defense-ray.contact.fct@intradef.gouv.fr
Dark press contact : Quentin de Pimodan - quentin@katchreyners.com / Claire Guerin - claire@katchreyners.com
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