Leanspace, a European leader in satellite operations technology, has announced a partnership with Qwaltec, a US-based defense contractor known for its engineering services and turnkey solutions. This collaboration aims to deliver advanced spacecraft operations solutions tailored for the US market. With Leanspace’s innovative cloud-native platform and Qwaltec’s extensive experience, the partnership is set to address critical demands for agile and secure ground segment infrastructure among US satellite operators.
Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Strasbourg, France, Leanspace provides a modular software platform specifically designed for mission-critical operations. Since entering the US market in 2023, the company has secured several customers who have successfully utilized its technology for satellite operations. The partnership with Qwaltec, based in Denver, Colorado, allows for a more localized approach to offering these capabilities, alleviating compliance concerns for US companies that handle sensitive data.
The collaboration not only delivers software-defined ground segments but also ensures that operations and data management are conducted by a trusted US entity. “The USA is a key priority for us as we are seeing incredible demand for our technology in this market,” said Guillaume Tanier, CEO of Leanspace. He emphasized the importance of partnering with local experts like Qwaltec to meet the needs of US customers.
Qwaltec will leverage the Leanspace platform to develop off-the-shelf products focused on satellite control and mission planning. This includes acting as a US reseller for existing Leanspace products and customizing solutions based on customer requirements. This arrangement promises to streamline compliance processes for organizations operating in the defense sector, enabling them to procure Leanspace’s technology through a reliable US supplier.
For the institutional market, Qwaltec will spearhead the implementation of mission-critical solutions for both civilian and defense space programs in the US. By utilizing the Leanspace platform, they aim to build secure, software-defined ground segments that will replace outdated systems. These advancements will come with maintenance support, onsite operations guidance, and engineering assistance, ensuring that mission objectives are met efficiently.
The partnership is expected to yield significant benefits, including cost-effective operations through shared infrastructure for managing large satellite fleets. Additionally, the enhanced agility of the platform allows for rapid reconfiguration of missions and software updates to cater to evolving needs. This resilience is crucial, as it ensures continuity of operations while minimizing vulnerabilities.
“We immediately recognized the value of Leanspace’s flexible platform,” stated Shawn Linam, CEO of Qwaltec. “It’s a powerful foundation for building the agile, secure, and mission-ready solutions our customers need. We’re excited to bring this capability to the US market.”
Both Leanspace and Qwaltec will showcase their offerings at the upcoming Small Satellite Conference, taking place in Salt Lake City, Utah, from August 10 to 13, 2025. Attendees are encouraged to visit booth #1709 for Leanspace and booth #405 for Qwaltec to discuss their needs and witness live demonstrations of Command & Control, Mission Planning, and Ground Station Management products.
Qwaltec, established in 2001 as a woman-owned small business, has a proven track record in building efficient ground system solutions for both government and commercial space programs. Their expertise in systems engineering, mission operations, and integration has made them a trusted partner for organizations such as NASA and the US Department of Defense.
Meanwhile, Leanspace has quickly emerged as a key player in the space technology sector, unifying systems across the mission lifecycle. Their platform supports a wide array of missions, including Earth Observation and In-Orbit Services, while providing clients with unprecedented agility and security.
The partnership between Qwaltec and Leanspace represents a significant step forward in the evolution of satellite operations, reinforcing the capacity of US operators to manage their space assets efficiently and securely.
