First Export Contract for S950 Optical Satellites
Airbus Defence and Space is to provide Poland with a geospatial intelligence system, including development, manufacture, launch and delivery in orbit of two high-performance optical Earth observation satellites. The contract also covers associated ground systems, including a Direct Receiving Station in Poland, launch services, training for the Polish team, maintenance and technical support for both space and ground systems. Delivery of very high-resolution (VHR) imagery from the Pléiades Neo constellation from this year is also covered.
The contract marks the first export success for the Airbus S950 VHR optical satellite, developed from the Pléiades Neo constellation, already operating in orbit with two satellites since 2021. This latest-generation system offers cutting-edge performance, combined with very high agility in orbit.
Jean-Marc Nasr, head of Space Systems at Airbus, commented that “This contract will provide Poland with one of the world’s most sophisticated satellite Earth observation systems. It strengthens Europe and gives the Polish nation a truly sovereign space capability. We look forward to further developing our cooperation with Poland under the umbrella of the strategic partnership between France and Poland”.
Assembly, integration and test of the sateilltes will be conducted in Toulouse and launch is planned for 2027. Once online, imagery will be received directly by Poland through its national system, thus assuring full autonomy and information sovereignty.
