AAC Clyde Space has signed a €10.9 million contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for the development and demonstration of a VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) satellite constellation and future maritime services within the INFLECION programme.
The INFLECION programme is moving into separate workstreams to cover different system capabilities. This contract covers Workstream 1, which involves the development and in-orbit demonstration of a 12-satellite constellation.
The Workstream 1 consortium brings together partners including AAC Clyde Space, Applied Satellite Technology, Bright Ascension, Craft Prospect, Omanos Analytics, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and the University of Strathclyde.
The system will aim to deliver space-based monitoring and two-way VDES communication between satellites, ships, and shore. The contract marks the transition from completed system definition to operational capability development, with launch, testing, and service demonstration scheduled for completion in early 2029.
“We are proud to lead a consortium of highly qualified partners to advance this next generation service in maritime intelligence from space,” said Luis Gomes, Chief Executive Officer of AAC Clyde Space.
“We see increasing demand for resilient space-based maritime intelligence. INFLECION allows us to develop precisely that service.”
The INFLECION programme focuses on developing a new generation of satellite-enabled maritime intelligence services by combining VDES communication, Radio Frequency (RF) sensing, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technologies. Together, these capabilities are expected to provide resilient information on vessel activity at sea to assist maritime authorities, coast guards, defence-related users, and shipping companies with situational awareness.
“INFLECION is an important element in our global effort to advance Europe’s capabilities in satellite-enabled maritime services,” said Christophe Allemand, Head of the Safety & Security from Space Programme Office at the European Space Agency.
“By providing dedicated connectivity for critical maritime operational services and more timely and reliable information from space, the programme will support safer, more resilient and more sustainable maritime operations. ESA is pleased to support initiatives like INFLECION, that strengthen Europe’s position and autonomy in a strategically important domain.”