The Helios II satellites
Le Bourget, 13 June 2005
Helios IIA, launched on December 2004, is fully operational since April 2005. EADS Astrium had been named prime contractor for the new-generation military observation satellites Helios IIA and IIB satellites by French space agency CNES (on behalf of the defense procurement agency DGA). It was already prime contractor for the first-generation Helios IA and Helios IB satellites, launched in July 1995 and December 1999, respectively.
The new-generation Helios II satellites ensure continuity of service, while offering a number of improved features, including:
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enhanced resolution
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infrared capability (for nighttime observation)
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expanded imaging capacity, simultaneously in a number of modes
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shorter image transmission times.
Each Helios II satellite offers:
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two imaging instruments:
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a Very High Resolution (VHR) instrument operating in the visible and infrared bands
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a Wide Angle (WA) instrument, similar to that used on the Spot 5 civilian remote sensing satellite.
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a platform derived from that used on Spot 5, with greatly improved maneuverability.
In addition to the day/night intelligence capability delivered by its visible and infrared functions, the Helios II system is also used for targeting, guidance, mission planning and combat damage verification.
EADS Astrium is overall prime contractor for the satellites, including:
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the platforms
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the wide angle imaging instruments
The Helios IIB satellite will be ready in early 2006 for a launch expected at the end of 2008.
EADS Astrium is Europe’s leading satellite system specialist. Its activities cover complete civil and military telecommunications and Earth observation systems, science and navigation programmes, and all spacecraft avionics and equipment. EADS Astrium, wholly owned subsidiary of EADS SPACE, which is dedicated to providing civil and defense space systems. In 2004 EADS SPACE had a turnover of €2.6 billion and 11,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2004, EADS generated revenues of € 31.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 110,000.
Hélios II characteristics
Launch:
HELIOS IIA : 2004
HELIOS IIB : ready 2006
Commissioning:
HELIOS IIA: early 2005
Weight:
4,200 kg
Design life:
5 years
Orbit:
Sun-synchronous, low, quasi-polar, at 800 kilometers
Resolution:
Classified
Imaging instruments:
- Wide Angle (WA), medium resolution - Spot 5 type
- Very High Resolution (VHR) with IR capability
Off-track viewing:
by tilting satellite
Data storage:
2 static recorders
Image telemetry:
Encrypted X band
Attitude control:
- 2 gyroscopes
- stellar sensors
Attitude command:
- hydrazine thrusters
- reaction wheels
- magnetic couplers
Remote control/telemetry:
Encrypted S band
Contacts for the Media
| Rémi ROLAND | EADS SPACE (FR) |
Tel.: +33 (0) 1 42 24 27 34 |
| Jeremy CLOSE | EADS SPACE (UK) |
Tel.: +44 (0) 1 438 77 3872 |
| Mathias PIKELJ | EADS SPACE (GER) |
Tel.: +49 (0) 7545 8 91 23 www.space.eads.net |
