Ilesa, 8 July 2026. – Infinite Orbits and Arianespace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a framework for future collaboration on multiple direct-to-geostationary orbit (GEO) launch services. Announced during the French NewSpace Summit, the partnership unites Arianespace’s decades of launch heritage with Infinite Orbits’ next-generation in-orbit servicing capabilities.
Direct access to geostationary orbit allows Infinite Orbits to deploy servicing spacecraft more rapidly, supporting satellite inspection and life-extension missions with greater operational flexibility. By identifying these future launch requirements, the French New Space company reaffirms its commitment to European launch capabilities while supporting the timely development of sovereign access to geostationary orbit.
“The challenges facing the space sector, and geostationary orbit in particular, demand responses equal to their strategic importance: innovative, competitive, and industrialized solutions, combined with reliable and responsive launch capabilities that enable rapid deployment,” said Adel Haddoud, CEO, Infinite Orbits
“Without this full value chain, French and European space sovereignty will remain an ambition on paper, both on commercial and sovereign sides. The expertise is there – what is needed now is the speed of execution to deploy these strategic capabilities.”
The Memorandum of Understanding consequently reflects the growing commercial demand for sovereign European direct-to-GEO capabilities and reinforces both companies’ shared ambition to strengthen Europe’s independent access to space.
By combining launch expertise with in-orbit servicing, the partnership will therefore help satellite operators extend mission life, maximize the value of existing GEO assets and improve the long-term resilience of Europe’s space infrastructure.
“This partnership with Infinite Orbits reflects our commitment to supporting Europe’s most innovative players and preparing the future of launch services. By jointly exploring new capabilities for direct access to geostationary orbit, we are helping to strengthen the competitiveness of the European space industry and meet the growing needs of our customers, both institutional and commercial,” added David Cavaillolès, Arianespace’s CEO.
Additionally, the collaboration demonstrates the European space ecosystem’s evolution, with established launch providers and NewSpace companies working together to develop future direct-to-GEO launch capabilities.
For Infinite Orbits, future direct-to-GEO launch capability is a key enabler for both Orbit Guard, its in-situ surveillance sensors designed exclusively for GEO and Endurance, the company’s life-extension vehicle for geostationary assets.
