SSA systems
Indra Space operates one of Europe’s most experienced optical observation networks, delivering persistent and highly accurate tracking data for Space Surveillance & Tracking (SST) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) operations.
Strategic space capabilities
- Space Control ensures freedom of action in space.
- Space Support to Operations strengthens military, intelligence and civil missions.
- Space Service Support guarantees reliable access and operations in space.
- Space Domain Awareness identifies and assesses risks affecting space operations.
Main SSA/SST services
- Collision prevention, fragmentation detection, and re-entry alerts
- Object characterisation, orbit determination, and cataloguing
- Space environment modelling and space weather monitoring
- Near-Earth Object (NEO) tracking, behaviour prediction, and simulations
Uninterrupted optical coverage infrastructure
With permanent optical telescope facilities distributed across Spain (including the Canary Islands), Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores), Chile, and soon Australia (2026), Indra Space ensures uninterrupted coverage throughout all 365 nights of the year.
The system delivers high-precision astrometric data with accuracy better than one arcsecond.
- Less than 15 minutes for processing and delivery of observational data
- 12,000 trajectories each night
- More than 3,600 targets covered each night
- 120,000 measurements per day
Mobile and Advanced Optical Systems
Indra’s Space mobile optical platforms provide plug-and-play deployment for tracking objects in LEO, MEO, and GEO orbits. These systems, featuring low power consumption and remote operation, require minimal infrastructure and deliver real-time astrometric and photometric processing with outstanding performance and resolution.
The LEO Optical Fence is a real-time, all-sky monitoring system based on multi-channel rotational optics. Radar systems complement the optical network, offering a capacity of up to 20,000 trajectories per night.
- Operations: 365 nights per year
- Rapid data delivery: <15 minutes after observation
- Global presence: Sensors in Spain, Portugal, Chile, and Australia
- Accuracy: <1 arcsecond
- Daily output: 12,000 trajectories and 120,000 measurements
- Tracking capability: objects of 10 cm at 1,400 km
RADAR surveillance
The S3T Surveillance Radar (S3TSR) is a state-of-the-art sensor designed to detect, track, and characterise objects in LEO and MEO orbits, such as space debris, satellites, and other celestial bodies, with potential capability to generate virtual satellite images.
S3TSR represents Spain’s contribution to the EUSST initiative, under the responsibility of the Spanish Air and Space Force. Developed for ESA, the radar is located at Morón Air Base, with operations managed from Torrejón de Ardoz.
The system features a 13.2-metre Cassegrain antenna operating in the C-band (4–8 GHz) and can track objects larger than 10 cm at distances close to 1,000 km. It provides critical data both to the EU SST network and to the Spanish Air Force.
Supporting components include the S3TOC operations centre, telescopes, and a laser station, all fully integrated within the European SST framework, ensuring seamless collaboration and data exchange at a continental level.
The Space Operations Centre delivers dual-use space surveillance and tracking capabilities, such as position determination, trajectory analysis, and collision risk assessment, thereby contributing to the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Complementing Air & Space Defence
Indra’s Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities extend beyond orbit, supporting air defence and air traffic management (ATM).
By integrating space surveillance technologies, missile detection, and re-entry tracking, Indra Space enhances multi-domain situational awareness.
The combination of these systems provides critical data for national security and ensures the safety of civil aviation and defence operations.
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