EADS N.V. - EADS Defence & Security TETRA radio system successfully covering the Russian Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan

EADS Defence & Security has just completed the new TETRA-based communications network, selected in 2006 by ROSKOSMOS, the Federal Space Agency of Russia, to refurbish the trunking network at Baikonur Cosmodrome.

With construction and implementation entrusted to LEO TELECOM, the EADS TETRA system is comprised of one DXTip switch, five TB3 base stations, one dispatcher workstation and more than 600 radios from the EADS THR880i, THR880i Ex and TMR880i ranges. All systems have been commissioned, while the results of the reliable radio communication distance tests have exceeded expectations. The system provides 100% of radio communication coverage for the Cosmodrome, for the neighbouring air fields and for the town of Baikonur, serving over 1,000 subscribers by mobile radio communication.

"The Baikonur Cosmodrome is currently migrating from the analogue to the TETRA system and will soon have the benefit of an AVL system covering the entire territory of the site. This has the double benefit of facilitating additional services for the client and being of great value to the personnel," said Dirk Borchardt, Head of Security & Communication Solutions in EADS Defence & Security.

Further development of the network includes installation of individual dedicated base stations with radio traffic recording at the most hazardous sites, such as launch vehicle filling areas and launch complexes. Maximum use will also be made of various applications to increase the effectiveness and safety of operations on this international class Cosmodrome. This is key to ensure that the latter can continue to play its part in extending the reach of human knowledge about space and the environment.

Founded in 1955, the world-famous Baikonur Cosmodrome is indeed at the leading edge of space exploration. It has seen such milestones as the first artificial satellite in space and the first man in space. Covering an area of 6,717 km² near the Kazakh town of Tyuratam, it currently has over ten launch pads. The task of modernising Baikonur (officially State Proving Cosmodrome no. 5) took into account the many complex engineering elements involved in space launch preparations and the service needs of the immense territory of the cosmodrome as well as the neighbouring town of Baikonur. From pre-project assessment, to system design and frequency planning, to supply, installation and commissioning, this was a turnkey project that also included personnel training.

EADS Defence & Security (DS) is a world leading provider of mission-critical communication and Command & Control solutions through its line of business Security & Communication Solutions (SCS).

DS is a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2008, DS – with around 23,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.7 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008, EADS generated revenues of € 43.3 billion and employed a workforce of about 118,000.

EADS Defence & Security TETRA radio system successfully covering the Russian Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan

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