Exotrail is conducting a phase A study for the French space agency (CNES) to develop spacevan advanced in-orbit services offering, with an optional demonstration mission. Exotrail is actively building key partnerships to address use cases associated with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) as well as Docking (RPO-D).

CNES has awarded Exotrail France a contract to accelerate the development of advanced capabilities based on the spacevan platform. Driven by its step-by-step strategy, the space logistics company is transitioning from its early mobility capabilities toward addressing the emerging market for in-orbit services. Following two Last-Mile Delivery missions in LEO and GEO ordered by CNES, this study is preparing for a mission focused on in-space mobility and satellite end-of-life management in LEO by 2027. The target will be identified in collaboration with CNES and potential customers.

Building on the spacevan platform–offered in two versions tailored for both LEO and GEO–Exotrail continues to capitalize on its success operating its first satellite, spacevan-001, which has been in orbit since November 2023. The company has notably demonstrated its capability to safely operate the satellite and to execute precise maneuvers, including a close-up approach to a mock target at approximately one kilometer. This proof-of-concept mission positions Exotrail among the few companies at the forefront of developing and demonstrating capabilities enabling RPO-focused activities.

Exotrail is now integrating its highly maneuverable platform with the technical components necessary for RPO and RPO-D operations. Acting as an aggregator, Exotrail aims to foster a dynamic European ecosystem with the spacevan This versatile vehicle is designed to rapidly demonstrate capabilities, starting with the deployment of hardware in LEO and GEO as a hosted payload on already manifested missions. Simultaneously, the company is working on more advanced missions in collaboration with strategic suppliers and leading satellite operators.

Jean-Luc Maria, CEO & Cofounder of Exotrail, commented: “Exotrail France is shaping the future of European in-orbit services with the spacevan. This vehicle is the ideal solution to meet the growing demand for state-of-the-art technologies enabling RPO and RPO-D. Coupled with Exotrail’s operational expertise in LEO and GEO and partnerships with major satellite infrastructure operators, we are assembling the A-team to deliver next-generation in-orbit services.”

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