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The global defence and aerospace companies have achieved a project milestone after successfully launching a satellite to enhance France’s surveillance capabilities.
Airbus Defence and Space and Thales have launched the CERES space system (Capacité de Renseignement Electromagnétique Spatiale/Space-based Signal Intelligence Capability) satellites for the French Armament General Directorate (DGA).
The satellites were launched from the European spaceport in French Guiana, on-board a Vega launcher.
“We are ready to go with the next generation of space surveillance capability for France: CERES! Entrusting Airbus with the construction and full space system responsibility is a ringing endorsement of our expertise and the quality of our technology acquired in particular from the ESSAIM and ELISA demonstrators,” Jean Marc Nasr, head of space systems at Airbus, said.
“The three CERES spacecraft will provide France with its first satellite system for signal intelligence, thus confirming our ability to act as prime contractor for French space-based intelligence systems.”
CERES is designed to detect and geo-locate electromagnetic signals from radio communication systems and radars from areas where surface sensors cannot reach.
According to Airbus, CERES is free from airspace overflight constraints and can operate across all weather conditions, supporting military operations for the French Armed Forces.
The system includes three identical satellites carrying the SIGINT payload, as well as the user and ground control segments.
“CERES will complete the French strategic and tactical defence intelligence capability with its first signal intelligence (SIGINT) satellite system,” Philippe Duhamel, executive vice-president, defence mission systems at Thales, said.
“DGA trusts Thales to be in charge of the CERES end-to-end mission performance, for which we rely on our experience of more than 20 years in space-based SIGINT especially with ESSAIM and ELISA, our unique know-how in satellite payloads and user ground segments, and our wide knowledge in SIGINT and electronic warfare in all environments.”
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