Future of French Space Security Programs

Abstract

Our Western societies are increasingly dependent on space systems. These have become essential to many daily activities as well as to strategic activities of prime importance. In an international context that is currently particularly troubled, their security becomes a major issue. France has been interested in this subject for several years and has developed unique space surveillance capabilities in Europe. These means, precursors 30 years ago, must today be modernized and adapted to current risks and threats. This technical evolution will have to be carried out in coherence with a doctrinal evolution based on simple and global principles. In regard to the costs of such technical changes, the evolution shall be considered within a wide European cooperation considering that finally EU sovereignty will be largely reinforced by these systems.