Athena-Fidus broadband telecommunications satellite. Photo: Thales Alenia Space

[Via Satellite 02-26-2014] Thales Alenia Space has won a contract awarded by French defense procurement agency DGA to provide operational support for the Syracuse 3, Athena-Fidus and Sicral 2 space systems. The contract involves station-keeping and support services for the satellites.

The Syracuse 3 space system is comprised of two telecommunications satellites in geostationary orbit, the Syracuse 3A and 3B, along with the ground control systems. The Athena-Fidus and Sicral 2 systems include the eponymous satellites and the associated ground control systems. These two satellite systems are produced jointly by France and Italy and are designed to meet the defense and security needs of both countries.

“Thales Alenia Space has supported the French Ministry of Defense in operating the Syracuse system for more than eight years,” said Bertrand Maureau, VP of telecommunications at Thales Alenia Space. “The services covered by this comprehensive contract will run until 2031.”