AMOS brings cutting-edge optical engineering to France’s most advanced space surveillance telescope.

Liège, Belgium – 31 August 2026 – AMOS, a leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced optical and mechanical systems for astronomy, space and science, announces it has been selected by ONERA (the French Aerospace Lab) to design, manufacture and deliver the 2.5-metre telescope at the heart of the PROVIDENCE project, with delivery scheduled ahead of April 2029.

PROVIDENCE (Plateforme de Recherche en Optique, Vecteur d’Innovation pour la Défense sur la maîtrise et compréhension de l’ENvironnement et la Caractérisation des objets dans l’Espace)1 is an optical research platform designed to give France an observation capability unmatched in Europe. The telescope will be installed at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence, in a facility provided by the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique).

At 2.5 meters in aperture and optimized for high angular resolution, the telescope is built around one of its most demanding requirements: the fast and precise tracking of low-Earth orbit (LEO) objects, which requires simultaneous agility and accuracy. It will be equipped with adaptive optics to fully exploit its large aperture and will support up to 7 instruments simultaneously across its three focal stations: 1 Cassegrain, 2 Nasmyth and 4 Coudé. Providing exceptional flexibility and operational efficiency. A state-of-the-art modular control system, adapted to scientific, optical communication and space situational awareness (SSA) applications, makes it fully compatible with dual-use operations requiring enhanced security modes.

Beyond space surveillance, PROVIDENCE is conceived as an open, multi-purpose platform. It will support research in astronomy, optical satellite communications (including Quantum Key Distribution and Deep Space communications), and the development of innovative instrumentation. The platform will be open to French and European academic, industrial and institutional partners, contributing to the reinforcement of European sovereignty in the space domain.  The PROVIDENCE project is hosted by the CNRS at the exceptional site of the Observatoire de Haute Provence (OHP). The project is jointly funded by ONERA (through special funding for investment expenses provided by the Agence Innovation Defense) and Région SUD (through the European Regional Development Fund, FEDER). The project timeline is anchored around a landmark astronomical event: the close approach of asteroid Apophis to Earth, scheduled for 13 April 2029. PROVIDENCE will be fully operational in time to observe this rare occurrence, one of the most significant scientific opportunities of the decade for planetary defense.

This contract reinforces AMOS’s standing as a world reference in the design of large-aperture telescopes for space situational awareness. It builds on a long track record of delivering high-performance systems for demanding programs spanning astronomy, defense and space science.

“This contract is a testament to AMOS’s ability to meet the most demanding requirements in optical instrumentation, whether for defence or cutting-edge scientific research. PROVIDENCE is an exceptional instrument, and we are proud to be amongst its builders,” said Arnaud Dartevelle, Managing Director of AMOS.

About ONERA

ONERA is the French national laboratory for aeronautics and space R&T, staffed by 2000 people. Under the supervision of the French Ministry of Armed Forces, ONERA has an annual budget of 312 million euros (2025), over half of which comes from study, research and testing contracts. As the French expert in aerospace technologies, ONERA prepares tomorrow’s defenses, meets the aerospace challenges of the future, and contributes to the competitiveness of the European aerospace industry. ONERA masters all the disciplines and technologies in its aerospace fields. All major civil and military aerospace programs in France and Europe contain “DNA” from ONERA: Ariane, Airbus, Falcon, Rafale, missiles, helicopters, engines, radars, etc.

About ERDF in Région Sud

Europe is committed in the Région Sud through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), under the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region and Alps Massif / ERDF-ESF+JTF 2021-2027 program, to support projects contributing to the economic, scientific, and technological development of the territory. The total amount of ERDF aid granted by the Région Sud for the PROVIDENCE project amounts to €8,676,566.40 on an eligible base of €14,460,944.00.

 A few pics

3D Visualization of the 2.5m Telescope

AMOS and ONERA at SPIE 2026