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SATCOMBw


Signature of the SatcomBw Stage 2 contract

A team led by Astrium Services will be providing Germany’s first dedicated satellites for a secure communications network, due to be operational from 2009. Two military-frequency satellites and a comprehensive user ground terminal segment will give the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) a secure information resource for use by units on deployed missions, with voice, fax, data, video and multimedia applications – the backbone of the strategic command infrastructure and interface with the tactical arms of the armed forces. The system constitutes an important part of the Bundeswehr’s concept for network-centric operations.

The 10-year programme, SatcomBw Stage 2, will be managed by MilSat Services GmbH, a special purpose joint venture company established by Astrium Services and Friedrichshafen-based ND SatCom, a 100% subsidiary of the satellite operator SES Astra and a leading global supplier of satellite-based broadband VSAT, broadcast, government and defence communication network solutions (and responsible for implementation of SatcomBw Stage 1). The customer is the Federal Office for Information Management and Information Technology of the Bundeswehr (IT-AmtBw).

The contract, signed in July 2006, covers the in-orbit delivery of two communications satellites for operations in military frequencies, their operation, the supply of the ground user terminal segment and upgrading the central command, control and network management centres already installed in Germany. MilSat Services GmbH will also provide the Bundeswehr with commercial transmission capacities using Intelsat satellites and anchoring services through new large ground stations.

The satellites will be positioned in geostationary orbit and will provide communication services over an area stretching from America to Eastern Asia, with an operational life of 15 years. The system includes two different types of user station. Larger, NATO-compatible, robust transceiver stations will enable not only telephone calls via satellite but also radio relay services, Internet access and video conferences. These stations also serve as a node for local mobile and fixed data networks in the theatre of operations. The second type of terminal is smaller, portable and enables the use of broadband services such as video and Internet access and login to the Bundeswehr-internal information system.

MilSat Services GmbH will be responsible for deployment and integration of the overall system for the customer and will provide additional military communications services. As subcontractor, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), will operate the two satellites, and will channel important parts of the user traffic via dedicated ground installations.

SatcomBw Stage 2 opens up possibilities to implement the latest military defence strategies; it will support the Bundeswehr in efficient communication and decision-making.
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