EADS Astrium has signed a contract with the Algerian National Space Technology Centre (CNTS) for the development of the ALSAT-2 system, which consists of two optical observation satellites.
ALSAT-2 is the first Earth observation satellite system from the AstroSat100 family to be built using the Myriade platform.
The ALSAT-2 contract covers the design and development of two satellites. The first, ALSAT-2A, will be integrated and tested in France at EADS Astrium, whereas the second, ALSAT-2B, will be integrated in Algeria within the small satellite development center (UDPS) in Oran.
The ALSAT-2 programme also includes the construction of two ground control segments and one image station, allowing the satellites to be operated and controlled from Algerian territory.
ALSAT-2 is equipped with a latest-generation payload capable of supplying images with a resolution of 2.5 metres in panchromatic mode, and 10 metres in each of 4 colour bands in multispectral mode.
It draws on EADS Astrium's extensive experience in Earth observation, most particularly with respect to the silicon carbide telescopes which are being integrated onto a Myriade class satellite platform, which was designed in cooperation with CNES, the French Space agency.
Its system performance leads the world, confirming EADS Astrium's leadership and pioneering role in high-performance Earth observation systems based on 150kg-class satellites designed for operational needs.
The CNTS, affiliated with the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL), will be responsible for managing the ALSAT-2 programme and operating the satellite system.
The system will enable Algeria to obtain very high quality images for use in a wide variety of applications: cartography, management of agriculture, forestry, water, mineral and oil resources, crop protection, management of natural disasters and land planning.
The co-operation agreement makes provision for Algerian engineers to work side-by-side with the EADS Astrium development team, with intensive training given in space technology. The ALSAT-2 contract lays the foundation for sustained co-operation with Algerian institutions in the fields of space technology for Earth observation, and its applications, as well as in the field of telecommunications.
This is the fifth co-operation contract signed by EADS Astrium with an export customer in the Earth observation field. It follows the FORMOSAT-2 satellite launched on 20 May 2004, the satellites KOMPSAT-2 and COMS for delivery to Korea, and the THEOS satellite currently being developed for Thailand.
