Luxembourg launched a satellite for defence, security and climate monitoring

On 26 August 2025 at 11:53 a.m. local time from Vandenberg Base in California, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the first satellite of Luxembourg's LUXEOSys Earth observation system into orbit. Already 12 minutes after liftoff, the vehicle separated and began deployment.

The satellite has become a key element of Luxembourg's space defence strategy. Placed in a sun-synchronous low orbit at an altitude of about 450 kilometres, it will make 15 revolutions around the Earth per day, travelling at a speed of 8 kilometres per second. LUXEOSys is capable of taking up to 100 super-resolution images per day, covering 10×10 kilometre areas.

The satellite's application is multi-purpose. It is designed both for military and defence tasks - monitoring troop movements, ensuring security - and for civilian tasks - responding to humanitarian crises, natural disasters and climate change. The system will be able to promptly provide data to government agencies, international organisations and partners.

Once the tests are completed in early 2026, LUXEOSys will reach full capacity and become a satellite data provider for the EU, NATO, the UN and other trusted allies. This will strengthen Luxembourg's role not only as a financial and digital centre, but also as a significant player in European security.

The project was led by OHB Italy, which developed both the satellite itself and the decentralised ground segment.