EADS Astrium to Supply Algeria’s Alsat-2 Optical Observation System

PARIS, Feb. 2, 2006/Satnews Daily/ — 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.

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, while the second, Alsat-2B, will be integrated in Algeria within the small satellite development center (UDPS) in Oran. Astrium said the Alsat-2 program 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 meters in panchromatic mode and 10 meters in each of 4 color bands in multispectral mode. It draws on EADS Astrium’s extensive experience in Earth observation, most particularly on the silicon carbide telescopes which are being integrated for the very first time onto a Myriade class satellite platform, which was designed in cooperation with CNES, the French Space agency.

According to Astrium, Alsat-2 will be the first Earth observation satellite system from the AstroSat100 family to be built using the Myriade platform. It will be 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 program 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 also provides for Algerian engineers to work side-by-side the EADS Astrium development team. They will be given intensive training in space technology.

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