The use of Space for European defence
Amsterdam/Toulouse/Friedrichshafen/Stevenage, 20 July 2000
In the aftermath of the conflict in Kosovo, the shortage of European military satellites is widely acknowledged and today the concept of an integrated European defence strategy is supported by many European governments. Space is a critical area which can contribute to the harmonisation of European defence policies. In this respect the consolidation of the European space industry is also a unique opportunity to establish a common, cost effective programme. The areas where European Space defence co-operation could be developed are telecommunications, surveillance and early warning systems.
PFI for military telecommunications
Astrium will propose interoperable telecommunications services to NATO and the MODs of various European countries (UK, France and Germany…). A Private Finance Initiative using Skynet and Syracuse military satellites and their follow-on programmes will be promoted. Investment by industry could provide military secure communications on the condition that the investor is guaranteed the use of a minimum number of transponders. A common European proposal is the logical development to replace the current NATO satellites when they come to the end of their operational lives in three to four years' time. This way European nations will make the best use of their limited military budgets.
Reconnaissance
The need for a combination of optical and radar satellites is another lesson sorely learnt from intervention in Kosovo. Even if radar satellite images need more interpretation tools than optical images, they complement information from optical satellites. The latter are more or less blind in poor weather conditions or at the night if they do not have infra-red capabilities.
Very High resolution
One way for European nations to obtain Very High Resolution results is for them to exchange image data from their different systems. For example if Germany purchases the Helios II user ground segment and France the one for SARLupe, both countries could have access to both optical and radar data.
High resolution
A dual system, civilian and military, like the Plieades/ Cosmo study project, currently being discussed by France and Italy, is a good way to satisfy the high resolution requirement.
Micro-satellites
The Micro-satellite product line (100 to 150 kg) can now be used for various applications and missions in communications, reconnaissance or eavesdropping. One such experiment is the French MoD system for the analysis of the Electro-magnetic environment, ESSAIM.
Early warning systems
The proliferation of ballistic missiles in many unstable countries makes it necessary for European nations to develop early warning systems, either in co-operation with the USA or as complementary and interoperable systems.
Astrium, the European provider of military satellites
Astrium has manufactured all the military satellites, for either communications or surveillance developed so far in Europe. Up to now Astrium has received orders for 8 dedicated military communications satellites for UK and NATO forces and has also delivered 9 communications spacecraft to the French and Spanish governments to provide both military and civil services. For surveillance, Astrium has supplied 2 HELIOS I satellites for the French, Italian and Spanish forces and is now developing HELIOS II which will ensure the continuation of the HELIOS I mission.
COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITES
SKYNET 4
Of the six SKYNET 4 spacecraft ordered by the UK MoD, five are already in orbit and the remaining one will be launched in 2001. Astrium is currently carrying out studies for the next-generation military communications satellites. Multiple beams with nulling capabilities at SHF, together with an EHF payload, could provide improved capacity, performance and services.
NATO IV
NATO IV is based on the flight proven SKYNET 4 satellites. The two NATO IV satellites provide interoperability, operational flexibility, survivability and reliability.
SKYNET 5
Astrium has been selected, by the UK Ministry of Defence, to complete studies for its next-generation military satellite system, SKYNET 5
TELECOM 1 and 2
Since 1984, 7 French national telecommunications satellites have been launched to provide both military and civil services. All were manufactured under the leadership of Astrium. Four TELECOM 2 satellites were launched between 1991 and 1996.
SYRACUSE III
Astrium has been awarded a study contract for the SYRACUSE III programme by the French Ministry of Defence. The first satellite could be launched in 2003 and the remainder from 2007 onwards.
HISPASAT
Astrium provided two hybrid, civil and military, spacecraft and the Ground Control System for secure communications for the Spanish Government.
GROUND STATIONS AND TERMINALS
Astrium supplies a wide range of satellite communications products, from complex hub stations and satellite and network control centres to transportable systems and naval, airborne and man-portable terminals.
Land
Land transportable terminals provide both strategic and tactical links. The terminals can be integrated into vehicles, trailers, or containers. The Company's MOST (Military Off-the-shelf Satellite Terminal) was procured by the UK MoD for rapid deployment in support of its peacekeeping forces in Bosnia and Kosovo.
Sea
The SCOT range of terminals has been designed specifically for a marine environment, and has been fitted to over 100 ships. Customers include the navies of Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Turkey.
Air
The airborne MASTER communications terminal, trialed by the United Kingdom MoD, provides reliable beyond-line-of-sight communications for maritime patrol aircraft and other applications. It has been selected by the UK MoD for RAF Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft fleet as part of its Nimrod 2000 up-grade.
SURVEILLANCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION
Astrium has established a leading position in space surveillance and Earth observation systems through its major involvement in every European remote sensing satellite.
OPTICAL SATELLITES
SPOT
As prime contractor for the SPOT remote sensing satellites, Astrium develops and builds the platform for these satellites and the HRV (high-resolution visible) imaging instruments. Three SPOT satellites are currently in operational use, allowing daily visibility of virtually any point of the globe. The re-use of SPOT 4's platform for HELIOS I and SPOT 5's platform for HELIOS II, has optimised both these military observation programmes. SPOT 5, currently under development, will offer 2.5 metre resolution over a large swath. The HRS instrument will provide stereoscopic coverage to provide digital elevation models.
HELIOS I
The first military reconnaissance system developed in Europe is jointly funded by the French, Italian and Spanish governments. HELIOS IA, launched in July 95, gives clear visibility of situations that may extend well beyond national boundaries, allowing considerable decision-making independence. Astrium is the Prime contractor for the spacecraft and the user ground segments for all three countries. To ensure continuity of service, the second HELIOS IB satellite was launched in December 1999.
HELIOS II
The HELIOS II programme, which comprises two satellites, will ensure the continuity of HELIOS I programme, by the year 2003. Once again, the Ministry of Defence has selected Astrium as prime contractor for these second generation military reconnaissance satellites.
RADAR SATELLITES
SARLupe
SARLupe is a new system marking the German entry into the field of space-based reconnaissance. A detailed System Definition Phase of approximately 10 months will commence this autumn, preparing the way for release of the full system as well as providing the basis for a balanced industry consortium. Astrium GmbH is offering a fast, cost efficient and low risk concept for SARLupe, using proven technology on the spacecraft (the Flexbus family), SAR level and "state of the art" ground systems. The Space segment consists of monofunctional radar satellites providing high resolution images under all weather conditions. The Ground segment will be based on existing infrastructure and upgraded as necessary. User and data interfaces to European partners will be part of the system.
Eavesdropping
ESSAIM
In December 99, Astrium was awarded, by the French MoD, a contract for the development, manufacturing, launch and operation of a system to look at the electromagnetic environment. This system is based on micro-satellites and their associated ground segment.
ASTRIUM, Europe's leading space company, is a joint venture owned 75% by EADS and 25% by BAE SYSTEMS. In 1999 Astrium's proposed merger partners had a combined turnover of 2 billion Euros, covering science and Earth observation, military observation and communications, telecommunications and ground systems, launchers and orbital infrastructure. In 1999 they employed a total of 7,500 people.
For further information, please contact:
Astrium SAS - F
Rémi ROLAND +33 (0)1 34 88 35 78
Astrium Ltd - UK
Alistair SCOTT +44 (0)1 438 77 36 98
Astrium GmbH - D
Mathias PIKELJ +49 (0) 7545-89123
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