Infinite Orbits and Arianespace Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance European Direct-to-GEO Launch Capabilities
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Toulouse, France – 7th July 2026
Infinite Orbits and Arianespace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for future collaboration on multiple direct-to-geostationary orbit (GEO) launch services.
Announced during the French NewSpace Summit, the partnership brings together Arianespace's decades of launch heritage with Infinite Orbits' next-generation in-orbit servicing capabilities. The collaboration reflects the evolution of the European space ecosystem, where established launch providers and NewSpace companies are working together to develop future French and European direct-to-GEO launch capabilities, with the objective of supporting future launch opportunities from 2029 onwards.
For Infinite Orbits, future direct-to-GEO launch capability is a key enabler for both Orbit Guard and Endurance. Direct access to GEO allows the company to deploy servicing spacecraft more rapidly, supporting satellite inspection and life-extension missions with greater operational flexibility. By identifying these future launch requirements, Infinite Orbits reaffirms its commitment to European launch capabilities while supporting the timely development of sovereign access to geostationary orbit.
This Memorandum of Understanding 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 help satellite operators extend mission life, maximise the value of existing GEO assets and improve the long-term resilience of Europe's space infrastructure.
“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. 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.” said Adel Haddoud, CEO, Infinite Orbits.
“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,” said David Cavaillolès, CEO, Arianespace.
About Arianespace
From Earth to orbit, Arianespace serves its customers and their ambitions, whether they involve scientific missions to study our planet, facilitate communication and navigation, or support many other essential applications.
Our mission is to deliver the most suitable space transportation solution for every customer: any satellite mass to any orbit, with the reliability and performance that define Arianespace.
Arianespace operates Europe's new-generation Ariane 6 launcher, developed by ESA with ArianeGroup as prime industrial contractor. Ariane 6 ensures Europe's independent access to space and serves the needs of institutional and commercial customers worldwide.
With more than 45 years of experience and over 1,100 satellites successfully delivered to orbit for more than 150 customers, Arianespace brings a proven record of excellence to every mission. Headquartered in Les Mureaux, France, we operate our launches from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, and have regional offices in Tokyo, Singapore and Washington, D.C., ensuring close proximity to our customers around the world.
Arianespace is a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, which holds 100% of its share capital.
