Succefully launched the SICRAL satellite

Successfully launched the SICRAL 2 satellite

Successfully launched the SICRAL 2 satellite

April 27, 2015

Successfully launched the SICRAL 2 satellite

Rome, April 27, 2015 - The SICRAL 2 military telecommunications satellite was successfully launched on April 26 at 05:00 pm (local time), 22:00 (CET), with an Arianespace launch vehicle from Europes Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

SICRAL 2 is a joint programme between the Ministry of Defense in Italy and DGA (Direction G n rale de l'Armement) in France for the benefit of Italian and French armed forces, with respective stakes of 62% and 38%. It is conducted by Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio, the two companies in the Space Alliance created by Finmeccanica and Thales.

The launch of the Sicral 2 satellite marks another major step forward in the successful French-Italian collaboration on space programs, said Jean Lo c Galle, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space. Our teamwork, the most dynamic in Europe, enables the two countries to jointly develop defense-oriented satellite capacity that supports each countrys independence. Thales Alenia Space is proud of its major role in this dynamic performance, with the Cosmo-SkyMed, Pleiades and Helios 2 intelligence programs, and the Athena-Fidus and Sicral telecom programs.

Telespazio is pleased to have contributed to the success of the SICRAL 2 mission of the Italian Ministry of Defence and the French DGA, said the CEO of Telespazio Luigi Pasquali. As with previous missions of the SICRAL programme, the company handled the implementation of the ground segment and managed the satellites delicate phases of launch and putting into orbit, confirming a long tradition of excellence in the field of space operations. For SICRAL 2 as well, Telespazio invested directly in the programme, and will therefore have access to part of this satellites capacity, in order to provide communications services to the armed forces of NATO countries.

Positioned at 37 E in the geostationary orbit, SICRAL 2 will have a service life exceeding 15 years. It will enhance the satellite communications capabilities already provided for Italy by SICRAL 1 and SICRAL 1B (launched in 2001 and 2009) and for France by Syracuse 3A and 3B (launched in 2005 and 2006). All of these satellites were designed and developed by Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio.

SICRAL 2 offers unprecedented flexibility and versatility. It will ensure interoperability with existing satellite systems, NATO traffic terminals and current national telecommunications networks. The satellite will provide strategic and tactical satellite communications services, supporting military land, sea and air platforms used by Armed Forces to guarantee internal and external security.

About Thales Alenia Space

Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%), is a key European player in space telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, exploration and orbital infrastructures. Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio form the two parent companies Space Alliance , which offers a complete range of services and solutions. Because of its unrivaled expertise in dual (civil/military) missions, constellations, flexible payloads, altimetry, meteorology and high-resolution optical and radar instruments, Thales Alenia Space is the natural partner to countries that want to expand their space program. The company posted consolidated revenues in excess of 2 billion euros in 2013, and has 7,500 employees in six countries. www.thalesaleniaspace.com

About Telespazio

Telespazio, a Finmeccanica/Thales 67/33 joint venture, is one of the world's leading operators in satellite services. Its activities range from the design and development of space systems to the management of launch services, from in-orbit satellite control to Earth observation, from integrated communications, satellite navigation and localisation services to scientific programs. Telespazio plays a leading role in the reference markets harnessing technological experience acquired over the years. Since its establishment, the company has participated in major European space programs such as Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus and COSMO-SkyMed. In 2013, Telespazio generated sales of EUR 606 million while employing approximately 2,500 people worldwide. www.telespazio.com

LINK:	https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space/press-release/successfu...
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