How B2Space is revolutionising the launch industry for surveillance satellites
March 19, 2025
Valentin Canales, CEO and Technical & Development Director at B2Space, explains how the company’s high-altitude balloon system offers a cost-effective solution enabling it to democratise access to space for small and micro satellites.
An exhibitor at this year’s Farnborough International Space Show, Canales spoke to Aerospace Global News about the benefits of B2Space’s balloon-based systems over traditional satellite and drone technologies.
“Satellites can capture images as they pass over an area, but they move very quickly,” he said. “Our balloons, on the other hand, which can carry payloads up to 200kg, can remain in a designated location for extended periods, providing real-time, high-resolution video,” continued Canales. “This makes them particularly valuable for emergency response situations, such as natural disasters, where they can act as communication relays.”
He also noted that the balloons, which typically operate at altitudes of 20 to 30 km, cover vast areas far more efficiently than drones, which fly at lower altitudes and have limited endurance.
Complementary solution to satellites
While B2Space doesn’t intend to replace satellites, its technology provides a complementary solution, particularly in situations where persistent aerial coverage is needed at a fraction of the cost. “Our system can provide images with resolutions of 10 to 15 cm at a significantly lower cost than satellite imagery, and on demand,” Canales added. “For instance, if an organisation needs to monitor a protected forest in northern France, our balloons can fly over that area regularly delivering high-quality images at a low cost.”
The potential applications for B2Space’s technology extend beyond environmental monitoring to insurance assessments and defence. “We can track construction in protected areas, detect illegal waste disposal and assists insurance companies in assessing flood or fire risks,” he said. “The military also use our balloons for real-time intelligence gathering and once their mission is complete, the system can self-destruct to maintain security, while for civil applications the systems can be recovered once the mission is complete.”
Established in 2016, B2Space is currently the only company in Europe specialising in these high-altitude balloon systems, according to Canales. With a growing team of 27 employees and headquarters in Wales, the company is hoping to expand its operations. Last year the company generated revenues of more than £2 million and it continues to seek collaborations with both private firms and government agencies, including the European Space Agency.
Space sustainability
Beyond offering surveillance solutions, another of the company’s upcoming projects involves using its high-altitude balloons to deploy lasers for space debris removal. “By positioning a laser above 99.9% of the Earth’s atmosphere rather than activating it from the ground, we minimise dissipation and maximise efficiency,” noted Canales. “This allows us to use a relatively small, cost-effective laser system to slow down debris, guiding it toward re-entry and elimination.”
A collaborative effort with 15 international partners, the initiative is being funded by the European Commission and aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using balloon-mounted lasers for space debris mitigation. Canales revealed that the demonstration flight is expected to take place in two years time.
Events such as Farnborough’s Space Show, said Canales are crucial for increasing brand recognition and attracting potential partners. “We are growing rapidly and need to ensure our capabilities are known. Exposure at shows like this help us forge key connections that will drive future collaborations,” he concluded.
