French space services company Infinite Orbits has acquired UK-based Lúnasa Space, marking the company’s expansion into the United Kingdom and adding capabilities in rendezvous, proximity operations and docking technologies.
The acquisition is intended to support the development of Infinite Orbits’ satellite life-extension servicer known as Endurance, which is designed to extend the operational life of satellites through in-orbit servicing.
The move follows the company’s recent acquisition of LMO in Luxembourg and forms part of its broader expansion in Europe. Infinite Orbits now has operations across France, Luxembourg, Spain and the United Kingdom.
The company said establishing operations in the UK will enable closer collaboration with industrial partners, research institutions and organisations involved in the country’s space sector.
“I’m pleased to welcome Infinite Orbits to the UK space sector,” said Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency.
“Safe rendezvous and proximity operations are essential to our mission to make space more sustainable and unlock the full potential of in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing,” Bate said. “This acquisition is a vote of confidence in British engineering talent and the great team at Lúnasa, and it strengthens the ecosystem we need to deliver new satellite life-extension and servicing capabilities.”
Lúnasa Space contributes engineering expertise in rendezvous and proximity operations technologies, along with facilities for payload assembly, integration and testing as well as infrastructure for mission validation and proximity operations development.
Infinite Orbits said integrating Lúnasa’s technology, engineering team and facilities will support the development of its satellite servicing systems and future proximity operations missions.
“We have always believed that the future of the European space industry depends on collaboration rather than fragmentation,” said Adel Haddoud, chief executive of Infinite Orbits.
“This acquisition embodies that conviction: by joining forces with expertise from across Europe, we are reinforcing our position in the international market of in-orbit services,” Haddoud added.
The company said the integration of Lúnasa’s engineering resources will support continued development of in-orbit servicing technologies and satellite life-extension missions.
