SPIRALE

The SPIRALE is an Infrared spaced-based warning system demonstrator aimed to provide early warning against ballistic missiles in their boost phase. Two micro-satellites carrying SPIRALE payload (advanced infrared sensors) should be put into an elliptical orbit by Ariane 5 launcher in 2008. The Spirale ground segment will consists of an S-band ground station for command tasks, X-band station that will receive data from both micro-satellites, the control center and mission control center. In addition, the French CNES (Centre national d'études spatiales or National Center for Space Research) will measure micro-satellites in-orbit position. The Spirale demonstrators will be built using affordable and proven technology from commercial communications satellites but featuring a limited in orbit propulsion system. Eventually, France could deploy a larger SPIRALE space-based warning network beyond 2008 leveraging knowledge and experience gained with the demonstrator program. EADS Astrium SAS was awarded a €124 million contract for development and demonstration of SPIRALE demonstrator in January 2004.

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