Secure satellite communications services

© EADS Astrium

EADS’ satellite services offering is led by EADS Astrium Services, the smallest but most rapidly evolving division within EADS Astium. It was set up to deliver specialist space-based services in the fields of miitary telecommunications and navigation, completing Astrium's comprehensive offer to customers worldwide: launch vehicles, satellite systems and space-based services.

Astrium Services' wholly-owned Paradigm subsidiaries are today delivering global military satellite communications services to the UK Armed Forces under the British MoD's Skynet 5 contract and to NATO forces as part of a tri-national intergovernmental service provision contract. Other national customers are also benefiting from Paradigm’s services. The UK MoD Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract alone is estimated to be worth in excess of €3.5 billion over a 15-year period. Paradigm is initially providing services via the UK MoD’s legacy Skynet 4 constellation, which it now owns and operates, and is introducing a new and upgraded ground system, along with three highly-advanced new-generation EADS Astrium-built Skynet 5 satellites over the period to 2008.

This unique PFI approach provides customers with significant benefits. For example, flexible use of system capacity when required, the very best in service provision via extremely capable new systems and elimination of any operation and maintenance commitments.