London-based Spaceflux has been selected by MDA Space as the optical systems provider for a major Canadian military space surveillance programme.
Under the multi-million-dollar contract, Spaceflux will support the delivery of three new ground-based telescope observatories in Alberta, Manitoba and New Brunswick by 2028 as part of Canada’s Surveillance of Space 2 programme for the Canadian Armed Forces.
The new facilities are intended to strengthen Canada’s independent ability to detect and track objects in orbit, complementing the country’s existing Sapphire satellite and enhancing its contribution to North American and allied space security.
The deal marks an important export success for the UK space sector, with technology originally developed through work with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) now being adopted by allied nations.
The contract follows Spaceflux’s growing role in the UK’s national space security infrastructure. The company is currently the primary provider of optical space surveillance data to the UK’s National Space Operations Centre.
“This landmark contract is a direct result of the AI-driven orbital intelligence capability we have built in the UK,” said Marco Rocchetto, CEO of Spaceflux.
“Our operational work with UK Space Command, UKSA and DSTL has demonstrated that Spaceflux can deliver at the highest national standards,” he added. “We are proud that the credibility we have established at home is now opening opportunities to support allied sovereign programmes.”
Angus Stewart, Joint Head of the National Space Operations Centre, said the contract showed how British space companies were increasingly providing trusted services to close allies.
He said that the agreement reflected the wider value of UK government investment in space, both in strengthening national security and creating export opportunities.
As orbital space becomes more congested and strategically important, Canada is investing in improved sovereign space domain awareness capabilities. The new contract will use Spaceflux’s optical telescope systems and Cortex AI platform to track objects from low Earth orbit (LEO) through to geostationary orbit (GEO).
Founded in 2022, Spaceflux is headquartered in London, with operations in Italy and a sensor network spanning five continents. The company provides ground-based optical surveillance services for the UK government and is expanding its international presence in the growing space intelligence market.
Spaceflux lands Canadian military space surveillance deal
