CHEOPS, which stands for CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite, is a pioneering spacecraft developed by Airbus for the European Space Agency (ESA) to enhance our understanding of exoplanets orbiting nearby stars. Launched at the end of 2019, CHEOPS is the first ESA satellite produced by Airbus in Spain and represents a significant advancement in the search for Earth-like planets. Weighing 300 kg, the satellite is designed to conduct detailed observations of small planets to determine their composition and potential habitability. Built by an Airbus-led consortium of 24 companies from 11 European countries, CHEOPS is part of ESA's "S" (small) missions, utilizing proven technologies to ensure rapid deployment and contribute valuable data to the scientific community in the quest to explore the universe.
BepiColombo is Europe's first mission to Mercury, named after the renowned Italian professor Giuseppe Colombo, and it commenced its journey in October 2018. This ambitious deep space exploration mission is a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), with Airbus playing a crucial role in its development. BepiColombo aims to investigate Mercury's unique internal structure, magnetic field generation, and its interactions with the Sun and solar wind. Additionally, the mission will explore surface features and chemical compositions, including the presence of ice in permanently shadowed craters at the planet's poles. By providing valuable insights into Mercury, BepiColombo is set to enhance our understanding of the solar system's smallest and least-explored terrestrial planet.
Eurostar Neo is a high-performance communications satellite platform designed for a wide array of missions, offering unmatched reliability in orbit. This fully customizable geostationary (GEO) satellite is compatible with all launch vehicles and is recognized as the industry benchmark for in-orbit performance. Drawing on over 30 years of heritage from the Eurostar family, Eurostar Neo features an optimized payload-centric design that enhances mission capacity and a scalable power system capable of supporting payloads ranging from 7 to 24 kW. With 100% all-electric propulsion and a launch mass between 3 to 6.8 tons, Eurostar Neo has garnered over 90 orders and boasts more than 1,000 years of successful operational experience, making it a trusted choice for telecommunications and navigation applications worldwide.
OneSat is a groundbreaking telecommunications satellite developed by Airbus, designed to transform the satellite market by offering unprecedented flexibility and adaptability. This innovative satellite platform is fully reconfigurable in orbit, allowing it to respond to evolving mission scenarios and new market demands without the need for physical modifications. Built on a standard, modular design-to-manufacture approach, OneSat can be delivered more rapidly and at a lower cost compared to traditional telecommunications satellites. It includes an integrated ground system and software suite that maximizes the satellite's capabilities, providing an end-to-end solution for operators. With its software-defined architecture and streamlined production process, OneSat is poised to address future challenges in space communications effectively.
Airbus is a global leader in spacecraft design and manufacturing, particularly in the development of large satellite constellations, which requires innovative approaches to optimize costs and enhance performance. With over 600 OneWeb satellites successfully launched, Airbus stands out as one of the few manufacturers capable of completing a telecommunications satellite constellation. Building on its extensive experience with traditional geostationary satellite assembly methods, Airbus has established a unique assembly line in Toulouse, France, and Merritt Island, USA, along with an advanced procurement supply chain. This expertise has led to the creation of the ARROW platform, designed to adapt to the specific needs of high-performance space applications while ensuring efficiency and scalability in satellite production.
Airbus is at the forefront of military space solutions, providing critical space-based products and services that enhance defense and security capabilities. With a focus on communication, navigation, and real-time intelligence and surveillance, Airbus ensures that military forces remain connected and capable of managing the increasing volume of data required for effective operations. Their military satellite communication solutions are designed to be secure, flexible, and scalable, enabling users to exchange vital information seamlessly across various domains—on the ground, at sea, in the air, and in orbit. Additionally, Airbus's military Earth observation satellites empower nations to improve their strategic planning and decision-making processes, reinforcing national security and sovereignty in an increasingly complex global landscape.
The Flexrotor is a Group 2 small tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) operations, featuring a maximum take-off weight of 25 kg (55 lbs). This versatile UAS is specifically engineered for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, offering an impressive operational endurance of 12 to 14 hours in typical configurations. The Flexrotor can accommodate various payloads, including electro-optical systems and advanced sensors, tailored to meet the specific requirements of different missions. Its ability to autonomously launch and recover from both land and sea with a minimal footprint of just 3.7 by 3.7 meters (12 by 12 feet) makes it particularly suitable for expeditionary operations, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in diverse environments.
The Airbus C295 is a highly adaptable tactical transport aircraft designed for a wide array of missions, including troop and cargo transport, maritime patrol, surveillance and reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance. With a maximum payload capacity of eight tons, the C295 can operate in diverse environments, including short and unpaved airstrips, making it ideal for both military and civil applications. Its reliability is underscored by over 300 aircraft contracted globally, showcasing its effectiveness as a dependable workhorse. The C295's versatility and operational efficiency ensure it meets the dynamic needs of armed forces and organizations around the world, providing critical support in various operational scenarios.
SKYNET is a highly resilient and secure military satellite communication system developed by Airbus, serving as the trusted partner of the UK Ministry of Defence. This advanced X-band satellite constellation, along with its robust ground network, provides comprehensive Beyond Line of Sight communications for UK military operations. SKYNET delivers a world-class end-to-end service that ensures multi-domain integration, enabling forces to access critical information precisely when needed. Meeting the stringent security standards set by the UK Ministry of Defence, SKYNET offers users a full spectrum of interfaces for secure voice and data transmission across various networks, ensuring reliable communication capabilities anywhere in the world.
The Syracuse IV is a cutting-edge satellite-based telecommunications program designed to provide secure communications for the French Armed Forces across all operational scenarios. Comprising two military satellites, Syracuse 4A and 4B, along with ground stations supporting the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force, this fourth-generation system enhances long-range communications between operational areas and decision-making centers in mainland France. With increased capacity, higher throughput, and improved resistance to jamming, Syracuse IV addresses the evolving demands of battlefield digitalization while ensuring reliable data transmission through its advanced ground segment development throughout the 2020s.
Thales's military Satellite Communications (SatCom) solutions elevate military operations by providing robust and reliable communication technology that ensures uninterrupted connectivity in the most challenging environments. Designed for flexibility, these solutions operate across various orbits and frequency bands, delivering unmatched coverage and adaptability for global military forces. With advanced encryption and anti-jamming measures, Thales's SatCom solutions guarantee the security and confidentiality of critical data, protecting it from unauthorized access and interference. In the event of unforeseen disruptions, including aggressive jamming attempts, the resilient SatCom infrastructure remains operational, empowering military personnel to maintain effective communication and coordination in any situation.
Thales's SOTAS Product Family is a world-class multi-media vehicle system designed to enhance operational effectiveness in challenging environments. With over 30 years of experience, SOTAS provides a reliable C4i infrastructure that supports intuitive human-machine interfaces and sensor data sharing, essential for missions in harsh and unfamiliar conditions. The system delivers valuable crew functionalities, including audio communication, networking capabilities, and application hosting services, ensuring seamless integration of new technologies to meet both current and future operational needs. From clear speech to advanced digital audio services, SOTAS continuously evolves to address emerging threats and enhance situational awareness for military personnel, making it an indispensable tool for modern defense operations.
NEXIUM SAT from Thales offers protected satellite communication solutions designed to ensure reliable long-range connectivity essential for modern military operations. As armed forces transition to connected collaborative combat, satellite communications become crucial for shortening decision-making processes to mere seconds, providing a significant tactical advantage over adversaries. NEXIUM SAT solutions enable seamless communication across vast distances, facilitating real-time data exchange and command and control capabilities in diverse operational environments. With a focus on security and resilience, Thales' satellite communications technology empowers military forces to maintain effective connectivity and operational superiority in complex and dynamic scenarios.
The NEXIUM RuggSAT is a secure manportable satellite communication terminal designed to provide soldiers on the battlefield with end-to-end secure and protected connectivity, even under extreme threats. This terminal offers highly resilient, reliable, and flexible Satcom capabilities, ensuring that armed forces can maintain seamless communication in dynamic operational environments. With throughput adaptation, the NEXIUM RuggSAT effectively meets the demanding requirements of modern military operations, enabling troops to share critical information and coordinate effectively in real-time. Its robust design makes it an essential tool for enhancing operational effectiveness and mission success in challenging conditions.
The NEXIUM PackSAT is a compact and portable 1.5-meter satellite communication terminal designed for secure and reliable connectivity in various operational environments. This versatile terminal supports both mono and multi-band configurations, making it adaptable to different communication needs. Its user-friendly design ensures easy deployment and operation, allowing military personnel to establish communications quickly and efficiently. Equipped with anti-jamming capabilities through SYSTEM21, the PackSAT enhances operational resilience, ensuring that forces can maintain critical communications even in contested environments. This transportable terminal is an essential asset for modern military operations requiring robust satellite connectivity.
