AAC Clyde Space has signed a EUR 10.9 million contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to advance the development and demonstration of a VDES satellite constellation and future maritime services within the INFLECION programme. The contract follows the previously completed definition phase (phase 1).

The INFLECION programme now advances into separate workstreams covering different capabilities of the system. This contract covers Workstream 1, which consists of the development and in-orbit demonstration of a twelve-satellite constellation. The system is enabled by space-based monitoring and two-way VDES communication between satellites, ships and shore. The programme marks the transition from completed system definition to operational capability development, with launch, testing and service demonstration expected to be completed in early 2029.

Workstream 1 of the INFLECION programme has a total estimated value at EUR 21.7 million (approx. SEK 236 M) and is 50 % co-funded by the UK Space Agency through the European Space Agency (ESA) Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S) strategic programme within ESA's Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme. AAC Clyde Space has previously communicated that its commitments within the INFLECION programme are fully funded. AAC Clyde Space underlines that of the EUR 10.9 million contract value, approximately EUR 4.4 million is expected to be capitalised as development costs related to future operational service capabilities. The remaining part is expected to be recognised as revenue over the development and demonstration phases with no net margin, reflecting project progress.

The co-funding structure reduces development risk while supporting AAC Clyde Space's long-term expansion of maritime services from space. This forms a key step in AAC Clyde Space's strategy to expand its Data & Services offering towards scalable, recurring revenue.

"We are proud to lead a consortium of highly qualified partners to advance this next-generation service in maritime intelligence from space," says Luis Gomes, CEO of AAC Clyde Space. "We see increasing demand for resilient space-based maritime intelligence. INFLECION allows us to develop precisely that service."

"INFLECION is an important element in our global effort to advance Europe's capabilities in satellite-enabled maritime services," says Christophe Allemand, Head of the Safety & Security from Space Programme Office, European Space Agency. "By providing dedicated connectivity for critical maritime operational services and more timely and reliable information from space, the programme will support safer, more resilient and more sustainable maritime operations. ESA is pleased to support initiatives like INFLECION, that strengthen Europe's position and autonomy in a strategically important domain."

"The INFLECION programme is an important step for the UK in developing new space-enabled maritime capabilities," says Henny Sands, Head of Satellite Communications, UK Space Agency. "The programme brings together leading industrial and academic partners to develop capabilities that will improve maritime safety and awareness, and support more resilient and efficient global shipping."

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