Vyoma satellite Flamingo-1 reaches sun-synchronous orbit

The Flamingo-1 space surveillance satellite from the German company Vyoma was successfully launched on January 11, 2026. As part of SpaceX's Twilight Rideshare mission, the satellite was launched into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of around 500 km using the Exolaunch launch integrator. This marks an important milestone for Vyoma's patented Space Domain Awareness (SDA) concept.

Optical sensors for space surveillance

Flamingo-1 is equipped with an advanced optical sensor that detects, tracks and characterizes space objects such as debris and satellites. This gives Vyoma customers the ability to reliably monitor maneuvering satellites and gain in-depth insights into their behavior.prior to launch, the satellite underwent extensive ground testing, including vibration and temperature cycling tests in a vacuum. After its arrival at Vandenberg Space Force Base (USA) in December 2025, a final series of tests was carried out to confirm the integrity and performance of the satellite and its sensor.

Outlook for the Flamingo constellation

The second satellite, Flamingo-2, is currently in production and is scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. Further satellites in the Flamingo constellation are to follow by 2029. The aim of the missions is to continuously monitor space traffic, provide real-time domain awareness updates and build an independent catalog of space objects.

Contribution to European security and space technology

The Flamingo missions are in line with Europe's strategic and security objectives. Vyoma focuses on innovation, space reconnaissance and the protection of critical European space infrastructure to support European security efforts.