Satellite reconnaissance systems

An ideal platform: Space is the ideal platform for observation and monitoring tasks as remote-sensing satellites can cover a far greater surface area of the Earth than either airborne or ground facilities. They can identify and locate even very small objects of strategic and operational interest and revisit them any number of times in a time-frame compatible with the unfolding of a crisis situation. Recent experience of the use of satellite observation systems has made them indispensable – and within a few years a new dynamic based on international co-operation will open up an even wider dimension for European countries.

A new dimension for European surveillance: Data from high-resolution optical satellite systems and all-weather, day-and-night vision radar satellite systems are complementary – together generate an information base of much increased power which strengthens operational interpretation and analysis.

Within a few years, at least five European countries will have at their disposal an unprecedented wealth of satellite observation data; as a result of innovative bilateral international agreements (France–Germany, France–Italy), data access rights will be exchanged between the Helios II optical system (a French–Belgian–Spanish partnership programme) and the German SAR-Lupe and Italian Cosmo-Skymed radar systems. The next-generation French optical satellites, Pleïades, are also under development in conjunction with Cosmo-Skymed in the Franco-Italian Orfeo dual programme. The ability to combine information from optical and radar images will provide Europe with a greatly enhanced intelligence-gathering tool.