Flamingo constellation
Vyoma's satellites carrying optical telescopes to spot and track satellites and small debris from orbit. Flamingo-1 launched in January 2026; 11 more are planned through 2029.
Why it matters
Europe wants its own source of space intelligence instead of relying on others. A European fleet of space-based telescopes can follow maneuvering satellites and small debris, which matters for both collision avoidance and defense.
How the technology works
Each Flamingo satellite carries an optical telescope that detects, tracks and characterizes objects, including satellites that change orbit. Vyoma calls Flamingo-1's instrument the first large-aperture telescope Europe has launched for space-based surveillance; its platform finished commissioning in June 2026.
Flamingo-2, said to detect centimeter-sized objects, is set for the first half of 2027, with Flamingos 3 to 12 in 2028 and 2029.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction