INDRA SECURES TWO ESA CONTRACTS TO ADVANCE EUROPEAN SPACE SURVEILLANCE AND NAVIGATION
VILLANUEVA DE LA CAÑADA, Spain - Indra Group has signed two new contracts with the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at reinforcing European capabilities in space surveillance and satellite navigation technology. The agreements were finalized at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in Spain.
The company's focus remains on leveraging space technology and its synergies with defense to support the security and strategic autonomy of Europe in the space domain.
Space Surveillance: S3TSR Radar Upgrade
The first contract covers the upgrade of Spain's S3TSR space surveillance radar to its V2 version. This dual-use system is owned by the Spanish Ministry of Defence and is a core part of the nation’s contribution to the European Space Situational Awareness System (EU SST). The system is dedicated to detecting and tracking objects in low Earth orbit.
The modernization effort will increase the radar’s detection capabilities, enabling it to track objects, such as a metal sphere with a diameter of 44 centimeters, at a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers. This enhanced performance is intended to improve the protection of European satellites and space assets against threats, including accidental hazards like space debris, and intentional threats like interference or espionage.
Advanced Satellite Navigation for LEO
Indra Group also secured a contract for the LEO PNT ODTS+ project, which is part of ESA’s Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP).
This project focuses on the development of an electronic navigation receiver designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The receiver is intended to acquire and process high-precision signals from the Galileo satellite system. The goal is to improve Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) performance and synchronization both in space and for critical applications on Earth, supporting sectors such as transport, communications, and infrastructure management.
Consolidating European Sovereignty
These contracts support Indra Group’s position as a provider of advanced space technologies applied to defense and security. The initiatives reinforce Europe’s technological sovereignty through the development of next-generation capabilities in the space domain. Indra Space is working to cover the entire value chain of space projects, spanning from mission design and satellite development to ground segment deployment and mission operations.