Terminals and Products

© EADS Astrium / 2006

The business divisions of Astrium Services are major contractors for military space programmes, with decades of experience in the procurement of hardened spacecraft and high technology secure communications systems.

Paradigm, part of Astrium Services, as owner and operator of the Skynet 5 system, is responsible for delivering secure communications services as part of a service provision contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) until 2020. Astrium’s Terminals and Products division was contracted by Paradigm to design and build the three Skynet 5 satellites, undertake a major upgrade to the ground infrastructure and to supply a comprehensive range of naval and land tactical terminals.

Skynet 5A was launched in March 2007, 5B in November 2007 and 5C is due for launch in 2008. As a world leading supplier of SHF communications terminals, Astrium Services offers a range of fixed, transportable and tactical military satellite communications terminals.

Astrium Services’ SCOT naval wideband Satcom terminals are fitted in over 200 ships and in use with 10 major navies worldwide. SCOT is renowned for providing very high communications availability in the most extreme weather and sea conditions; versions are available for multiple frequency bands and for ships ranging in size from patrol craft to aircraft carriers. Valued customers include: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, USA and the UK.

The Manpack terminal is a complete lightweight tactical satcom terminal capable of being carried and operated by a single person. It is ideally suited to provide secure global communications for military or government personnel operating in remote or hostile environments.

The Airborne SHF satcom system provides reliable, secure, Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications anywhere, in all terrains and at any time. Astrium’s Airborne SHF satcom system gives military aircraft the means to deliver their full potential in today’s fast moving ‘network-centric’ operations. Astrium’s Land Tactical Terminals provide military and paramilitary forces with a multi-role communications capability. The terminal has been designed to operate in the demanding environment found during UN and NATO operations, ranging from humanitarian missions to deployment on the battlefield. The terminal can be easily deployed by two operators in less than 30 minutes in the field, providing multiple voice and data circuits in the tactical environment. The terminal can be transported in normal or cross country vehicles and by commercial or military aircraft.

This range of terminals is supported by a suite of network management tools which together enable the satellite communications network to realise its maximum potential in the face of changing operational requirements, priorities and external influences.

Astrium Services offers:

• Satellite access planning • Equipment control and monitoring • Communications system monitoring • Effective response to stress (jamming, interference) • Quality of service monitoring • Simulation and training