Safran Corporate Ventures is pleased to announce the signing of a joint investment, with three co-investors, in Vyoma as part of an €8.5 million funding round.
The Germany-based startup founded in 2020 plans to launch a constellation of observation satellites to monitor space debris in low-Earth orbit. It will use a fleet of satellites carrying dedicated telescopes to identify and catalogue space debris. The data – in combination with Vyoma’s services – will enable satellite operators to autonomously navigate and avoid collisions with debris. Vyoma is positioned in the strategic domain of space situational awareness (SSA) and aligned with Europe’s commitment to space sovereignty.
Alongside this investment, Safran will work in partnership with Vyoma in three areas. Safran Electronics & Defense, will investigate the feasibility of flying radiofrequency sensors and laser rangefinders on Vyoma’s constellations and will work with the startup on sharing complementary data to maximize its precision and value. Safran Reosc will explore the development of an optical instrument to detect objects smaller than 2 cm in surveillance mode that complements Vyoma’s existing and future sensor portfolio.
“This partnership with Vyoma is technologically and strategically important to reinforce Safran Electronics & Defense as we round out our SSA offering,” said Jean-Marie Bétermier, Head of Space Direction of Safran Electronics & Defense.
“For Safran Corporate Ventures, this investment in a Germany-based New Space startup reflects our strategy of supporting companies developing disruptive technologies that are strategic for Safran and in line with French-German collaboration to strengthen the European Union’s sovereignty,” said Florent Illat, Head of Safran Corporate Ventures.
“The partnership with Safran Electronics & Defense helps us refining our data and services portfolio to match our customers’ needs and achieve safety and efficiency in space operations”, said Dr Stefan Frey, CEO of Vyoma.