SatComBw

With the SatComBw programme, the German Armed Forces will receive a secure information network for use by units on deployed missions. This will allow voice and fax as well as advanced data, video and multimedia applications. For the first time the Bundeswehr will have a secure communications system with dedicated military communications satellites. The entire system is due to start regular operation in the year 2009 and will constitute an important step in the implementation of the Bundeswehr concept for network-centric operations.

Astrium is prime contractor for the space segment, which is composed of two satellites and based on a Spacebus platform. The launch services company Arianespace is responsible for launching the satellites from the European space centre in Kourou, French Guiana.

Along with the in-orbit delivery of two communications satellites for operations in military frequencies (SHF/UHF), the SatComBw Stage 2 contract includes their operation, the delivery of a comprehensive ground user terminal segment and upgrading the network management centre already installed with the Bundeswehr. Both SatComBw satellites will be positioned in geostationary orbit and will provide communication services over an area stretching from America to eastern Asia, during their operational life of 15 years. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) will assume responsibility for operating the two satellites using several of its locations. In addition to that DLR will channel important parts of the user traffic via its ground installations.

The contract runs for ten years and there is an option to extend it for a further 7.5 years. The customer is the Federal Office for Information Management and Information Technology of the Bundeswehr (IT-AmtBw). The contractor is MilSat Services GmbH based in Bremen, which is owned by Astrium (74.9%) and the Friedrichshafen satellite network specialist ND SatCom (25.1%).

Astrium Services offers the Bundeswehr the support they need to meet their future challenges by combining the most advanced European technology, a wealth of experience in implementing and operating satellite communications networks and an understanding of military communications requirements second to none.