GMV’s Focusoc conjunction analysis tool. Photo: GMV

GMV is developing an advanced collision avoidance service for large-scale telecommunications constellations under a new R&D contract from the European Space Agency (ESA). 

GMV announced Monday it will build on its existing “Focusoc” flight safety software to offer real-time risk assessments and new decision-making tools for satellite operators. The current Focusoc service can process constellations of tens of satellites, and the redesigned “Focusoc Nxtgen” platform will support large constellations with hundreds of satellites, with higher data processing volumes. 

One of the key updates is that GMV is establishing a new conjunction assessment center in the United Kingdom to serve U.K. operators and global operators. It will include a dedicated database of conjunctions for  trend analysis and a maneuver testing environment with GMV’s Flight Dynamics Systems expertise. Focusoc Nxtgen is set to launch in summer of 2026.

ESA awarded GMV an R&D contract as part of the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) program in ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate. 

“The success and long-term sustainability of space activities rely heavily on orbital safety; ensuring satellites and space assets remain free from collision risks. This service will be instrumental in enabling other ESA-supported innovations to thrive, delivering fast and reliable communications without interruption,” commented Laurent Jaffart, ESA director of Connectivity and Secure Communications.