Successful Liftoff: Airbus’s SYRACUSE 4B Shines on Ariane 5’s Grand Finale Mission
The SYRACUSE 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, has been successfully launched from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s premier spaceport located in Kourou, French Guiana. This event marks the final launch of the Ariane 5, Europe’s powerful launch vehicle.
SYRACUSE 4B, alongside SYRACUSE 4A already positioned in orbit, forms the space segment of SYRACUSE IV, the fourth generation secure military satellite communications system dedicated to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA – Direction Générale de l’Armement), the French Air and Space Force, and the French Space Command. This project is realized by the industrial consortium led by Airbus Defence and Space in collaboration with Thales Alenia Space.
The deployment of SYRACUSE 4A and 4B will enhance capacity and optimize functionality for the French Armed Forces, offering superior throughput and adaptability, along with an expansive coverage area. This improved flexibility guarantees that the satellites will cater to the operational needs of forces stationed throughout the coverage zone while efficiently managing its X-band and Ka-band assets.
“Surveillance, signal intelligence, space situational awareness, and, of course, secure communications across critical operational theatres are vital for a nation’s autonomy and operational freedom. Airbus is honored to be a reliable partner of the French Armed Forces: through SYRACUSE 4B and other initiatives, we bolster our national aspirations and capabilities in all these sectors today and into the future!” stated Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems at Airbus.
Constructed on Airbus’ Eurostar E3000 platform in its fully electric variant and featuring in-orbit proximity surveillance, SYRACUSE 4B carries the same payload as SYRACUSE 4A, which was developed by Thales Alenia Space with essential components supplied by Airbus.
SYRACUSE 4B is equipped with critical technologies such as anti-jamming to ensure continuity of service and resilience, as well as advanced cyber-defense and data encryption capabilities.
As part of the global SYRACUSE co-contract, Airbus holds responsibility for the SYRACUSE 4B satellite. Thales Alenia Space managed the SYRACUSE 4A satellite and both payloads, featuring key components provided by Airbus.
This satellite stands as a remarkable testament to pan-European industrial collaboration, ensuring French sovereignty while simultaneously supporting operations conducted by NATO and allied nations.
