France and Satellite Communication Systems
Since 1988 France has operated two national communications systems in GEO, Telecom and TDF, to ensure domestic and international telephone and television service. An advanced communications technology spacecraft, called Stentor, was approved in 1994 for a launch in 1999. Meanwhile, French plans for LEO communications networks faded during 1993-1994, and the lone mini-satellite of this class launched in early 1993 suffered major problems early in life.
