Thales Alenia Space launches All-In-One Constellation at High Performance

Thales Alenia Space presents the ALL-IN-ONE constellation system which integrates the capabilities of radar and optical sensors, guaranteeing unmatched reliability and performance. The growing involvement in geopolitical conflicts, the events related to non-state actors such as criminal group attacks, and global warming have raised huge concerns, pushing governments to strengthen their protection systems for their national and international interests, reason why the majority of countries around the world are investing considerable resources in upgrading their satellite security systems.

Specifically, Thales is proposing the ALL-IN-ONE constellation system to solve problems in terms of responsiveness, control, confidentiality, autonomy, and efficiency. This purpose is achieved through the following technological composition:

• High revisit Optical satellites;
• High revisit radar satellites;
• A ground segment designed for optimized multisensor constellation operations through the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Below are some of the present collaborations that are examples of how Thales Alenia Space is one of the world leaders in the radar observation sector and associated technologies.

COSMO-SkyMed satellites

COSMO-SkyMed radar satellite systems for the Italian Space Agency and Ministry of Defense have been designed both for the military and the civil sector. This service consists of first and second-generation satellites capable of observing the Earth and providing high-resolution images both day and night, regardless of weather conditions. One of the main objectives of the mission is to predict landslides and floods, enabling the coordination of relief efforts in response to natural disasters.

Developed thanks to the collaboration between the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Defense, COSMO-SkyMed relies on a constellation of satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) operating in the X-band. This technology enables the satellites to penetrate clouds and operate effectively even in the absence of sunlight. It currently includes five operational satellites in orbit. The following image is an example of how COSMO-SkyMed radar images are combined to generate “interferograms” depicting ground deformations linked to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Collab with ESA and the Iride Project

Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to supply 6 small satellites utilizing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) tech, and 1 satellite employing optical tech of the Italian Earth Observation Constellation IRIDE. Both systems will be based on the innovative NIMBUS (New Italian Micro Bus) platform, weighing 170 kilograms and developed by Thales Alenia Space, offering high performance and rapid deployment capabilities.

Specifically, IRIDE’s mission objective is to support Civil Protection in to fight against geohydrological instability and fires, surveillance of the coasts, air quality, and weather conditions. Additionally, IRIDE will offer analytical data to support the development of commercial applications by startups, small enterprises, and sector industries.

Collaboration with PT Len Industri

Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with PT Len Industri to supply a cutting-edge Earth Observation constellation based on radar and optical sensors to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense.

The two companies will also collaborate to implement a comprehensive system across both space and ground segments for Indonesia. Thales Alenia Space relies on proven operational solutions enhanced by artificial intelligence to guarantee system responsiveness. PT LEN will oversee the management of the constellation, undertaking the development of a versatile ground system capable of handling multiple missions, including control, maintenance, and data processing. 

Bobby Rasyidin, President-Director of PT Len Industri expressed “The cooperation between Len and Thales Alenia Space is a positive way to increase our independence in the defense sector”, demonstrating the high expectations Indonesia places on Thales’ services and technology.