Helios II

The Helios II is an improved variant of Helios earth observation satellite with enhanced electro-optical sensors and capability for operation in adverse weather conditions, day/night. Its earth observation package includes a medium resolution Spot 5 sensor for wide area optical and near infrared frequencies observation, and a high resolution HRS infrared sensor. Helios II will provide higher resolution, observation of wider areas, pinpoint accuracy for surveillance of specific locations, night operation mode, increased availability for its customer, and faster data transfer over Helios I satellites. Initially, the Helios II project was funded by France but in July 2001 Belgium joined this project with approximately 2.5% of the total cost slated for €2280 million (+$2.8 billion). In November 2001, Spain joined the Helios II investing €57 million (2.5%) . The first Helios II satellite, Helios IIA, was launched in December 2004 and the second one, Helios IIB, was slated for launch in 2008. As planned, Helios 2A was launched by an Ariane 5G space launch system on December 18, 2004 from Kourou Space Station in the French Guiana. The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) cleared Helios II for operational use by the three countries participating the program on April 7, 2005. This decision follows three extensive months of testing after the launch of Helios 2A late in 2004.

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