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PerúSAT optical observation satellite

Arianespace successfully launched the PerúSAT-1 satellite 15 September 2016, within the scope of a contract with Airbus Defence and Space for the Peruvian space agency CONIDA, and the SkySat-4 to -7 satellites for American operator Terra Bella, a Google company. PerúSAT-1 is Peru’s first Earth observation satellite. Ordered within the scope of an agreement between the Peruvian and French governments, this launch was carried out under a turnkey contract with Airbus Defence and Space for the Peruvian space agency CONIDA. PerúSAT-1 is a powerful optical observation satellite featuring very high resolution (0.7 meters). It will operate from Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 695 km. and will acquire images from across the planet.

Airbus Defence and Space, the world’s number one exporter of Earth observation satellites and the world’s second largest space company, was selected April 25, 2014 as sole prime contractor to develop, construct and launch the first Earth observation optical satellite system for Peru, with the support of the French government. The system includes a latest-generation optical satellite with its very high-resolution instrument (from the Naomi family, combining the company’s very best expertise in optical instrumentation), and a ground control segment, image reception and processing centre. The project also includes a complete training programme for Peruvian engineers and technicians (including satellite operations for developing tailored imaging applications).

Ahead of entry into service of the Peruvian satellite, Airbus Defence and Space downloaded data and images from its fleet of optical and radar satellites direct into Peru. “With this first satellite system, Peru will acquire space capability at a very high level, and we are delighted to have been selected for our technology and expertise, particularly in the field of silicon carbide,” said Franc¸ois Auque, Head of Space Systems, at the signing ceremony. “In winning this contract, Airbus Defence and Space reinforces its position as the world’s number one exporter of Earth observation satellites of all types and resolution levels.”

This program was based on the Astrobus platform, which employs technologies that combine performance, rapidity of construction and value for money, designed for missions as varied as imaging (Pleiades, SPOT6&7, Ingenio, KazEOSat-1), the environment (Sentinel-2) and meteorology (Sentinel-5p). This sophisticated system also benefits from the unique expertise developed by Airbus Defence and Space in the field of silicone carbide (SiC) space structures and instruments. Together with its partner Boostec, the company has created, through a series of achievements in space (Herschel, Gaia, KazEOSat-1, etc.), a new successful economic sector. The SiC produced in the Midi- Pyre´ne´es region is exported worldwide.

Airbus Defence and Space is the world’s second largest space company and the leading exporter of Earth observation satellites. Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus Group formed by combining the business activities of Cassidian, Astrium and Airbus Military. The new division is Europe’s number one defence and space enterprise, the second largest space business worldwide and among the top ten global defence enterprises. It employs some 40,000 employees generating revenues of approximately €14 billion per year.