Pléiades is an optical observation system consisting of two identical satellites that deliver 50 cm colour products. Operating on a phased orbit, the Pléiades system affords a daily revisit capability on any point of the globe, to better address civilian and military requirements.
It is based on smaller, cheaper, more agile satellites than its predecessors, highly successful Spot series of satellites which have operated an uninterrupted service since 1986 and whose platform is currently also in use for nearly all European Low Earth Observation programmes (notably ERS, Envisat, MetOp and Helios). Pléiades incorporates innovative technology such as the gyroscopic actuators that will be carried for the first time in Europe on board the Pléiades satellites to provide unprecedented performance.
The two Pléiades satellites form the optical component of the dual civil/military French–Italian observation system Orfeo (Italy is supplying the COSMO-SkyMed radar component).
The programme is being developed under the responsibility of the French space agency CNES. Airbus Defence and Space is the prime contractor for the design, development, build, and delivery of the two satellites.
The satellites will be launched from the European Spaceport in Kourou by a Soyuz-Fregat rocket. The first satellite, Pléiades 1A, was launched on 16 December 2011, and the second is scheduled for launch in late 2012.
| Airbus Group | |
|---|---|
| Product Category | Satellites |
| Product Number | Pléiades |
| Product Name | Earth Observation Satellites |
