France this week is simulating a military exercise in space, an unprecedented initiative in the country that aims to assess the ability of its satellites and other defense equipment to repel an attack or deter a threat.
The French Air and Space Forces explained on social media that the test, fully simulated, It will take place from 8 to 12 March in the facilities of the National Center for Space Studies (CNES) in the city of Toulouse (south).
The exercise, dubbed “AsterX”, is based on 18 simulated events in an operating room from which France, with the help of an ally, is under threat from another foreign power with significant space power.
“AsterX” is part of the French government’s strategy to make the country the third largest space force in the world.
According to the Executive, a first step was taken in 2019 with the creation of the CNES of Toulouse itself, where they work to weave a space defense as well as a place for innovation and advancement of careers in this field.