DGA Unsure of Strategy for Next Generation of Satellites

摘要

The French Defense Ministry remains undecided about which satellite systems will succeed its current-generation Earth observation and telecommunications spacecraft but sees signs that an initial Europe-wide effort could take shape. France and Italy recently signed a contract giving the Italian Defense Ministry a 2.5 percent share of France's He-lios-2 high-resolution optical and infrared reconnaissance system, whose first satellite, Helios 2A, entered operations in April. Helios 2B is scheduled for launch in late 2008 but could arrive earlier if needed.