Syracuse 4A satellite
The Syracuse 4A satellite was launched in October 2021. It was launched on Ariane 5 ECA rocket. It was launched from Guiana Space Centre of the French Government. It weighs 3,853 kilograms. It was built by Thales Alenia Space. It uses plasma propulsion engine. It is the first of the Syracuse 4 series.
About Syracuse 4A satellite
- It is a military communication satellite
- The Syracuse 4A will resist military aggression in space and from ground.
- It is capable of surveying its close surroundings. Also, it can move itself to escape an attack.
- It is protected against electromagnetic pulses. These electromagnetic pulses would result from nuclear explosion
- With Syracuse 4A, France has inaugurated with new military constellation Syracuse.
- It has an innovative navigation system that helps it to avoid collisions with space debris
- It has an electric plasma motor. This saves the weight on the propulsion. This helps to increase the net payload of the satellite. This technology is first in Europe.
- Life span of the satellite is 15 years
- It is capable of resisting jamming
- It features data encryption and cyber defence technologies
About Syracuse
- Syracuse is a series of French military communication satellites.
- The Syracuse system is completely under the control of French Navy.
- The main objective of Syracuse is to enable communication between the French mainland and the military units deployed all over the world.
- It is a part of “milsatcom” programme that started in 1980. MILSATCOM is Military Satellite Communications programme.
