Successfully launched by Ariane V rocket on 14th October 2005, the new-generation SYRACUSE IIIA satellite joined France's fleet of Telecom 2 hybrid civil/military communications satellites.
Syracuse has required outstanding expertise and innovation in order to integrate all of the French Ministry of Defense's very challenging requirements in terms of flexibility, scalability and security. During the launch, several French army representatives confirmed that this crucial satellite will be at the heart of the French army's communication system, providing enhanced autonomy, unprecedented transfer speed and enhanced security, together with interoperability with other NATO countries.
The Syracuse 3A satellite uses Thales Alenia Space's commercial satellite platform, Spacebus, which has been hardened to resist nuclear attack. The payload features the latest technological developments in both the SHF (super high frequency) and EHF (extremely high frequency) bands. This new-generation system guarantees significantly enhanced service in terms of data throughput and resistance to countermeasures.
The SYRACUSE III system is designed to resist countermeasures and continue to operate under severe stress conditions. Resistance to jamming, nuclear hardening and security were built into both the ground and space segments right from the outset.
A secure link means that commands can be sent, telemetry received and messages transmitted, even in a harsh jamming environment.
Furthermore the basic system can be gradually expanded to ensure the total satisfaction of French and allied countries' requirements:
- New deployable SHF and EHF terminals.
- Upgrades of current SHF terminals.
- Launch of additional satellites.
- Additional services and satellite capacity.
In short, it is the perfect solution for our Allies' space-based military communications over the next decade.