CERES (satellite)
CERES satellite | |
| Mission type | SIGINT |
|---|---|
| Operator | CNES / DGA |
| COSPAR ID | 2021-105A 2021-105B 2021-105C |
| SATCAT no. | 49464 49465 49466 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Bus | EliteBus |
| Manufacturer | Thales Alenia Space (bus), Airbus Defence and Space (payload) |
| Launch mass | 516 kg (1,138 lb) (each) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 16 November 2021, 09:27:55 UTC |
| Rocket | Vega VV20 |
| Launch site | Centre Spatial Guyanais, Kourou, ELA-1 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Semi-synchronous orbit |
| Perigee altitude | 669 km (416 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 672 km (418 mi) |
| Inclination | 75.00° |
| Period | 90.00 minutes |
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CERES (CapacitÉ de Renseignement Électromagnétique Spatiale) is a French space-based electronic surveillance constellation designed to collect intelligence of electromagnetic origins anywhere in the world. Consisting of three formation-flying satellites, it was developed by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space under the management of the CNES for the French defence procurement agency (DGA).
Launched in November 2021, the satellites are expected to reach their final orbit, 700 km from Earth, after a few months and full operational capability by the end of 2022. Their purpose is to allow France to gather data that was previously inaccessible from land, sea, or airborne sensors, and for the French military to more quickly and effectively adapt to new operational scenarios. An all-weather system operational 24/7, the CERES constellation is notably capable of tracking, identifying and mapping enemy radars, air defenses and command centers.
The CERES will replace the ELISA demonstrator, a cluster of four satellites that were deorbited in the summer of 2021 after ten years of service.