Press Release
Arianespace to launch Pleiades satellites
Evry, France, January 4, 2005
Two Pleiades Earth observation satellites are to be launched from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana under terms of a contract awarded to Arianespace by the CNES French space agency.
Both Pleiades spacecraft will be placed in heliosynchronous orbit by Soyuz launchers - with the initial satellite orbited in 2008, followed by the second in 2009.
Successors to Spot satellites
The Pleiades satellites comprise the high-resolution optical imaging component in the Franco-Italian Orfeo system, for which Italy is supplying the radar component. These satellites will perform both civil and military missions, providing continuity with the services available via the Spot Earth observation spacecraft.
EADS Astrium is prime contractor and platform manufacturer for the Pleiades satellites, which will weigh about one metric ton each. Alcatel Space will supply the high-resolution instruments and image telemetry systems. The size, image resolution, orbital agility and ground transmission capabilities of the Pléiades satellites represent a significant technological advance in Earth observation.
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