AID and Skynopy launch SkyFortress to test a hybrid ground station network that strengthens the resilience and responsiveness of French space operations. The project supports the Armed Forces by ensuring continuous satellite command and data links through dynamic ground-station orchestration. Founded in 2023, Skynopy operates 17 global sites and is expanding connectivity through the AKAR project with Eutelsat.
In an international environment where space capabilities increasingly support economic stability and national sovereignty, the resilience and responsiveness of space infrastructure have become strategic priorities. Recent attacks on several European ground stations during the early stages of the Russia–Ukraine conflict underline the vulnerability of terrestrial space infrastructure and the urgent need for more robust operational continuity.
Ground segments play a vital role in space operations by enabling satellite command, data transmission, and the uninterrupted flow of information between orbit and Earth. Ensuring their availability in all conditions now stands as a central defence requirement.
SkyFortress selected under the innovation acceleration project
Against this backdrop, the French Defence Innovation Agency (AID) selects Skynopy to lead the SkyFortress Innovation Acceleration Project (PAI). The project focuses on testing the hybridisation of a ground station network through a full operational demonstration. The experiment evaluates the network’s ability to remain resilient and responsive even under disrupted conditions.
The initiative aims to measure how dynamically distributed ground stations can maintain continuous service when traditional infrastructure faces technical, cyber, or geopolitical threats.
New operational capability for the French armed forces
SkyFortress provides the French Armed Forces with an additional operational capability and a temporary fallback solution to support the planning and execution of space operations. By allowing dynamic access to hybrid ground networks, the project strengthens operational flexibility and reduces dependency on single infrastructure points.
This capability directly supports mission continuity in both peacetime and crisis scenarios.
Advanced ground station orchestration at the core
Skynopy’s solution relies on advanced orchestration of ground infrastructure. The system uses real-time selection, activation, and reconfiguration algorithms to dynamically allocate the most relevant ground stations for each mission.
This approach ensures continuity, security, and operational efficiency. The experimentation phase initially uses commercial satellites before expanding to include military assets, allowing progressive validation across multiple operational environments.
Alignment with national defence priorities
The project directly aligns with the priorities of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, which formally identifies the ground segment as a critical strategic capability. Strengthening the robustness of space-to-ground links forms a central part of France’s defence posture in space.
SkyFortress also reflects the growing role of commercial actors within national defence frameworks, demonstrating how private innovation integrates into sovereign defence strategies.
About Skynopy
Founded in 2023 by Pierre Bertrand (Chief Executive Officer) and Antonin Hirsch (Chief Technology Officer), Skynopy provides satellite connectivity solutions that allow operators to access spacecraft simply, rapidly, and reliably.
In just 18 months, Skynopy deploys 17 operational ground station sites worldwide, supporting around ten satellite operators. The company is also scaling its infrastructure through the AKAR project, developed in cooperation with Eutelsat. This programme focuses on deploying the first S-, X-, and Ka-band ground station network capable of delivering real-time, high-throughput connectivity for Earth observation satellites.
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