ALCYON
Satellite-based maritime and aeronautical surveillance
A Kinéis-led consortium, selected by the European Space Agency, is preparing an in-orbit demonstrator for the low-orbit layer of Europe's sovereign IRIS² constellation. Sternula leads VDES operations.
Testing two IRIS² services under real conditions
ALCYON is an In-Orbit Validation mission. It demonstrates how a low-orbit constellation can strengthen maritime safety, the fight against illegal fishing, and environmental monitoring, while improving air traffic tracking.
Maritime surveillance
Improved tracking and identification of vessels worldwide, built on VDES, which extends AIS with true two-way data exchange with ships.
Aeronautical surveillance
Stronger air traffic tracking from space, covering regions beyond the reach of ground-based surveillance.
In-orbit demonstrator
A demonstrator co-specified by the consortium for the future low-LEO layer of the IRIS² constellation.
Leading VDES operations
Sternula was selected by Kinéis and ESA as VDES operations partner. The role draws on experience from operating the STERNULA-1 satellite and building an end-to-end VDES services platform.
Sternula also contributes to the overall system architecture and mission plan, placing it at the centre of a new European sovereign satellite infrastructure for maritime digitalisation.
Navigational warnings
Critical safety information delivered directly to ships.
Weather alerts
Timely updates for vessels at sea.
Recommended routes
Guidance through challenging straits.
Closing security gaps
Solves weaknesses in older maritime systems.
VDES will be part of United Nations maritime regulation from 2028, and over the next few years, we will see a digital revolution in the maritime domain unlike anything seen before.
Part of Europe's sovereign constellation
Backed by the European Union and ESA, IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) will equip Europe with satellites in low and medium orbit, delivering secure connectivity to Member States, institutions and businesses.
ESA entrusted ALCYON to the Kinéis-led consortium under the IRIS² Low-LEO Pre-Operational and De-Risking Activities, within ESA's Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity. These activities validate new governmental services in orbit up to a pre-operational level, ahead of possible integration into the operational IRIS² baseline.
From selection to a co-specified demonstrator
- Sep 2026
Consortium selected
Sternula announced as VDES operations partner on 18 September.
- Autumn 2026
Consolidation phase
Four months to co-specify the maritime and aeronautical demonstrator.
- Jan 2027
Project end
Demonstrator specification for the IRIS² low-LEO layer completed.
- 2028
VDES in UN regulation
VDES becomes part of international maritime regulation.
Five European partners
Satellite operators, space manufacturers and service providers from France, Italy and Denmark working together on ALCYON.
Kinéis
French satellite operator running a nanosatellite constellation for global IoT connectivity and tracking. Kinéis leads the ALCYON consortium.
Toulouse, France
Sternula
Danish VDES specialist building an integrated satellite and coastal network for maritime digital services. Operates the STERNULA-1 satellite.
Aalborg, Denmark
Thales Alenia Space
Major European manufacturer of satellites and space infrastructure, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo.
France & Italy
Satlab
Designs and builds communication subsystems for small satellites, including radios and maritime AIS/VDES receivers.
Aalborg, Denmark
ESSP
European Satellite Services Provider, operator of the EGNOS navigation service, with deep expertise in satellite services for aviation.
Toulouse, France