France and Satellite Communication Systems

Since 1988 France has operated two national communications systems in GEO, Telecom and TDF, to ensure domestic and international telephone and television service. An advanced communications technology spacecraft, called Stentor, was approved in 1994 for a launch in 1999. Meanwhile, French plans for LEO communications networks faded during 1993-1994, and the lone mini-satellite of this class launched in early 1993 suffered major problems early in life.

The French Ministry of Defense plans to add an additional satellite to its Syracuse 4 program. According to the French arms-procurement agency, DGA, the extra satellite is needed to fulfil connectivity demands from drones and military aircraft. Syracuse 4A and 4B will replace the Syracuse 3A and 3B satellites, launched in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Offering a design life of 15 years, the two satellites will have identical X- and Ka-band payloads, built by Thales Alenia Space as prime contractor. “This [the third] satellite will be different from the other ones we are currently building in order to better address the specific and increasing needs of airborne systems.