SYRACUSE 4B Satellite Launched: Boost for French Military Communications

Written by Copernical Team Friday, 07 July 2023 12:18

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Toulouse, France (SPX) Jul 06, 2023

European aerospace company Airbus, in partnership with Thales Alenia Space, successfully launched SYRACUSE 4B, a secure military communications satellite, from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. This launch marked the last mission of Ariane 5, the European heavy launcher. SYRACUSE 4B joins SYRACUSE 4A in orbit, with both satellites forming the space component of SYRACUSE IV,

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SYRACUSE 4B Satellite Launched: Boost for French Military Communications
by Staff Writers
Toulouse, France (SPX) Jul 06, 2023

European aerospace company Airbus, in partnership with Thales Alenia Space, successfully launched SYRACUSE 4B, a secure military communications satellite, from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. This launch marked the last mission of Ariane 5, the European heavy launcher.

SYRACUSE 4B joins SYRACUSE 4A in orbit, with both satellites forming the space component of SYRACUSE IV, the fourth generation secure military satellite communications system. This system is intended for use by the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), the French Air and Space Force, and the French Space Command. Airbus Defence and Space, and Thales Alenia Space, as an industrial consortium, have spearheaded the system's creation.

The pair of satellites, SYRACUSE 4A and 4B, are projected to provide an enhanced service for the French Armed Forces. This will include a higher throughput, increased flexibility, and an expanded coverage area. The satellites' increased flexibility will ensure the needs of forces deployed within the coverage area are met, along with efficiently managing its X-band and Ka-band resources.

Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, highlighted the importance of the satellite to national security. He noted, "Observation, signal intelligence, space situational awareness, and of course secure communications across key theatres of operation, are paramount for a nation's autonomy and freedom of action. Airbus is proud to be a trusted partner of the French Armed Forces: thanks to SYRACUSE 4B, and other programmes, we support our national ambitions and capabilities in all these fields, today and in the decades to come!"

Developed on the Airbus' Eurostar E3000 platform, the fully electric SYRACUSE 4B is equipped with in-orbit proximity surveillance and carries the same payload as SYRACUSE 4A, which was built by Thales Alenia Space, with key components provided by Airbus. The satellite showcases essential technologies, such as anti-jamming, which assures service continuity and resilience, as well as cybersecurity and data encryption technologies.

As part of the global SYRACUSE co-contract, Airbus was in charge of the SYRACUSE 4B satellite. On the other hand, Thales Alenia Space was responsible for the SYRACUSE 4A satellite and both payloads, with Airbus providing critical components.

The SYRACUSE 4B satellite represents an exemplar of pan-European industrial cooperation. Beyond guaranteeing French sovereignty, the satellite is also designed to support operations led by NATO and other allied nations, thereby reinforcing international military collaboration and interoperability. Its successful launch marks a significant milestone in military communication capabilities, positioning Airbus and Thales Alenia Space at the forefront of secure satellite communication technology.