In the month of October, 2021 the Syracuse 4A satellite was launched by the Arian 5 ECA rocket. This rocket was launched by the French Government from its Guiana Space Center. This rocket weighs 3,853 kilograms and has been built by Thales Alenia Space. It uses a plasma propulsion motor and is the first in the Syracuse 4 series.
Highlights
It is designed to allow French troops around the world to communicate securely and quickly. Satellites can measure and move around to avoid attacks.
Features of the Syracuse 4A Satellite
It is a military communication satellite. The Syracuse 4A withstands military attacks from space and ground and can also move alone to avoid attacks. Protected from electromagnetic impulses. These electromagnetic pulses result from a nuclear explosion. With Syracuse 4A, France launched Syracuse in a new military constellation. Innovative navigation system to help avoid collisions with space debris. This satellite has an electric plasma motor which in turn saves the weight of the drive and thus helps in increasing the net payload of the satellite. This technology is the first in the whole of Europe. 15 years is the satellite’s service life. Can withstand traffic jams. It has data encryption and cyber defense technology.
By operating in two bands, X and Ka, Syracuse IV produces three times the throughput of Syracuse III. Three satellites will be in orbit. The second in the year 2022 and the third is an unknown date. The total cost of the Syracuse IV program is 3.6 billion. The Syracuse IV is the first French military satellite to detect other satellites that are trying to destroy or collect information.
About Syracuse
A series of French military communications satellites is known as the Syracuse. The Syracuse system is completely under the control of the French Navy. Syracuse’s primary goal is to enable communications between mainland France and military units deployed around the world. It is part of the milsatcom program which was started in the 1980. MILSATCOM is a military satellite communication program.