Unseenlabs (France): Strategic-Technological Analysis for European Autonomy

Introduction: Unseenlabs is a French space-technology company developing a constellation of radio-frequency (RF) detecting microsatellites to locate vessels at sea. Founded in Brittany in 2015 by aerospace engineers, it has rapidly deployed over a dozen satellites dedicated to maritime surveillance[1][2]. Unseenlabs recently closed a major €85 million investment round and won an ESA/EC Copernicus contract to supply RF data, signaling strong institutional interest[3][4]. Its system can geolocate vessels even when Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders are off, addressing gaps in traditional surveillance[5][6]. In the context of European defense, Unseenlabs offers an indigenous maritime-awareness capability that complements existing sensors. Its rapidly expanding satellite network and data services promise to strengthen Europe’s situational awareness at sea, making it a case study in dual-use space innovation for strategic autonomy.