Airbus Defence and Space is set to carry out preparatory studies and definition work for the future ground segment of the Syracuse IV satellite-based military telecommunications system, Airbus said. The deal was awarded by the French defense procurement agency, Direction Générale de l’Armement.
Results of the study would support preparation for the ground segment construction phase, which is scheduled to being next year. It should also make it possible to define safeguards and resilience mechanisms regarding cyber threats.
The one-year study aims to examine possible architectures for the terrestrial network, as well as new capacity required by the future system. Leveraging its experience in Ka-band, Airbus plans to examine the capacity optimization through the use of modems. Airbus is also to analyze the internet protocol technology and the exponential increase in transmission-speed requirements. The study involves sizing the network, flow management and prioritization, using network-management technologies. Optimization of through-life support and integrated logistical support would also be looked at.
The Syracuse IV satellite communication program includes the ground segment, construction of new Ka-band communication anchor stations and the construction of two satellites. By 2023, the satellites should replace the Syracuse 3A and Syracuse 3B, which are currently in orbit.