Paris, France – 28 March 2025 – Qosmosys, an international space company developing infrastructure and service capabilities on the Moon, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sodern, a leading French company specialized in space optics and critical instrumentation. This agreement establishes the framework for technical collaboration on Qosmosys’ TRIOPS initiative. TRIOPS is an advanced Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) project to be deployed around the Moon south pole, a landmark area for the development of the lunar economy.
Sodern is an equipment manufacturer that combines commitment with expertise. Drawing on more than 60 years of innovation, Sodern designs and builds reliable, competitive and high value-added solutions to meet today’s space challenges. As part of the TRIOPS program, Sodern is expected to play a significant role in the development and integration of key subsystems critical to the accuracy and reliability of lunar PNT services.
Qosmosys’ TRIOPS program aims to enable precise PNT services on the challenging terrain of the Moon south pole where communication and localization infrastructure is currently non-existent. By leveraging Sodern’s expertise in optical space systems and navigation technologies, the TRIOPS architecture will benefit from proven, flight-heritage components adapted to lunar constraints.
The MoU also opens the door for broader collaboration, with Sodern potentially contributing to other Qosmosys-led initiatives involving lunar imaging, autonomous operations, and deep-space systems.
Francois Dubrulle, Qosmosys’ CEO, said:
“SODERN is a global recognized reference in optical space systems. We are proud of their involvement to reinforce the technical credibility and long-term vision of our lunar primary infrastructure programs. We are looking forward to combining our respective competencies to deliver a compelling and scalable services to any company intending to operate on the Moon.”
Vincent Dedieu, SODERN’s CEO, said:
“After its first moon landing mission success in 2025, Sodern is proud to propose its star-tracking expertise to Qosmosys for TRIOPS development, with an accurate lunar localization system.
It benefits from both the heritage of Sodern star trackers in space and on Earth where celestial navigation systems provide an absolute position during day & night, while GNSS systems are unavailable.”
The agreement marks a strategic step forward in emerging a European industrial ecosystem capable of supporting upcoming permanent operations on the lunar surface.
About Qosmosys
Qosmosys, is a pioneering spacetech architect, founded in 2020, with a mission to shape the future of space exploration for the betterment of humanity.
Qosmosys specializes in designing system and subsystem architectures, seamlessly integrating advanced technologies while ensuring alignment with sustainable and profitable business models.
The company firmly believes that addressing the emerging lunar economy not only drives engineering innovation but also unlocks new possibilities for applications on Earth and in broader space exploration endeavours.
About SODERN
Sodern is an equipment manufacturer that combines commitment with expertise. Its customers work in the fields of defense, space and raw materials mining.
Drawing on more than 60 years of innovation, Sodern designs and builds reliable, competitive and high value-added solutions to help its customers meet today’s local and global challenges. Sodern provides optronics equipment (star trackers, cameras, etc.) for satellites and spacecraft and for all types of missions: telecommunications, observation, scientific programs, etc., as well as being active in the fields of national sovereignty and security. Sodern is also a pioneer in neutron analysis instruments, used by the mining industry to explore and analyze sub-soils.
Sodern is a subsidiary of the European leader in access to space, ArianeGroup, and employs 450+ highly qualified people. Its 2023 turnover exceeds €80M. Sodern is located in Limeil-Brevannes (94), in France.
