Angola Orders Earth Observation Satellite from Airbus 

Rendering of the Airbus S250 optical satellite. Photo: Airbus

Angola has ordered its first Earth observation satellite, Angeo-1, from Airbus Defence and Space. The satellite will be an Airbus S250 optical satellite. Terms of the deal, announced March 3, were not disclosed. 

Angola has already developed various applications using satellite imagery from Airbus Defence and Space, such as land use mapping, agriculture monitoring and maritime surveillance and also operates its own telecommunications satellite, Angosat-2. 

Airbus said sovereign access to satellite imagery will contribute to infrastructure development, mapping natural resources, maritime surveillance, agriculture and population. It will also provide a better understanding of the origins and impacts of climate change on the economy. In addition, Airbus will provide comprehensive training for Angolan engineers. 

“As Angola’s strategic partner for space, Airbus will deliver a latest-generation Earth observation satellite to support social and economic development including a range of strategic activities such as urban planning and management of precious mineral resources,” commented Jean-Marc Nasr, head of Space Systems at Airbus.

Airbus signed a similar deal earlier this year to build two EO satellites for Poland.