In Greek mythology Helios was all-seeing and all-knowing
French military observation program. The first generation is financed by France
(79%), Italy (14%) and Spain (7%). Operated by the DGA
(Délégation Générale à l'Armement)
and the CNES. Each country can use the satellite in proportion of its financial
participation. Each country can order observations and obtain the results via
its own Earth station. Each country's results are encrypted so that only the
orderer can use the data.
The second generation (Helios 2) is planned for 2004 and will be achieved by
France, Germany and Spain (3%). It would be equipped for optical and IR
observation. Resolution is said to be better than 50 cm.
It would be reinforced by the German SAT-Luppe satellites (4 or 6) to built by
Astrium (Flexbus platform, resolution sharper than 1 m) or OHB. A payload unit
should cost EUR50 000.
Other french military satellites include:
Clementine
and the
Cerise
companion.
Ref: #15 - update: 25.11.09