* Astronomy

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 centre (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 the EADS Astrium development team. They will be given intensive training 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.

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 is a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS SPACE, which is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems.