Syracuse (satellite)

Syracuse (French: Système de Radiocommunication utilisant un satellite, satellite based radiocommunication system) is a series of French military communications satellites.

Syracuse is intended to ensure the French military can communicate between mainland France and military units deployed around the world. The satellite participates in command, reassignment and logistic aspects of operations. The system is nominally under the command of the French Navy, equipping a total of 54 ships (2009) and it is complemented by the Telcomarsat commercial system of communications.

In 2006, the programme was awaiting for the third phase, Syracuse 3, to replace Syracuse 2. Syracuse 3 is composed of two satellites developed by the Direction générale de l'armement, and a third satellite (Sicral-2), developed along with Italy. It is an attempt of the French armed forces to achieve autonomy in terms of satellite communications.

Satellites comprising the constellation:

  • Syracuse-3A (launched October 13, 2005)
  • Syracuse-3B (launched August 11, 2006)
  • SICRAL-2 (launched April 26, 2015)

It was announced in July 2019 that the next generation of Syracuse satellites would have cameras to identify possible attackers. The satellites of the following generations will be equipped with defensive weapons.[1]

References
  1. https://www.lepoint.fr/societe/espace-la-france-va-armer-ses-prochains-satellites-militaires-25-07-2019-2326872_23.php
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