The contract ensures continuity of a capability that sets France apart within European NATO. The country is one of the few members with a sovereign constellation of high-end optical spy satellites, while many allies rely on lower-resolution assets and intelligence supplied by the United States. President Emmanuel Macron said in January that France provided two thirds of the intelligence capabilities supplied to Ukraine.<\/p>\n
The DGA notified Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space of the order on Nov. 5. The IRIS satellites, named after the French abbreviation for Instruments for Space Intelligence and Imaging, will be able to take extremely high resolution images day and night in both the visible and infrared spectrum around the world. Airbus will provide the satellite platforms, a significant share of the payload on the first satellite, and responsibility for the ground segment. Thales Alenia Space will develop the second payload, provide critical elements of the first, and contribute to the ground segment.<\/p>\n
The first satellite is planned to become operational in 2033, with both in orbit around 2035. The existing CSO satellites, for Composante Spatiale Optique, were launched in 2018, 2020 and 2025. The first IRIS satellite will replace CSO-1 and CSO-2 to ensure continuity, Thales said, and after the end of the last CSO satellite’s operational life, the second IRIS satellite will significantly enhance image-resolution performance. Technologies developed for the system include a hyper-stable telescope with active optics, ultra-sensitive high-speed digital sensors, and AI-based image processing. Subcontractors include Lynred, Pyxalis, Sodern, Safran Reosc and Air Liquide Advanced Technologies. Thales owns 67% of Thales Alenia Space, with the remainder held by Italy’s Leonardo.<\/p>\n
The IRIS program aims to ensure the continuity of France’s capability while improving performance to meet the needs of its forces in a rapidly evolving strategic environment, the DGA said. Thales Alenia Space CEO Herv\u00e9 Derrey said IRIS will integrate the most advanced optical instrument ever built in Europe. The system will be operated by the Space Command within the French Air and Space Force, though the DGA said the program is resolutely open to cooperation to allow partner countries to access it.<\/p>\n
The first IRIS satellite is targeted to become operational in 2033, with the second expected in orbit around 2035.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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