Alcatel Space, the satellite manufacturing arm of Paris-based Alcatel [NYSE: ALA], has received an order from the French defense procurement agency DGA to build a new military communications satellite called Syracuse 3B. The order is part of a 1.4 billion euro ($1.73 billion) frame contract signed in 2000 for the manufacture and delivery of the Syracuse 3A military communications satellite plus ground segment, as well as Syracuse 3B and potentially a third satellite and system maintenance until 2018. Arianespace is set to launch Syracuse 3B onboard an Ariane 5 rocket at the end of 2005.

As prime contractor, Alcatel Space is in charge of satellite construction, in-orbit delivery, mission control services, and ground station network extension. The company has subcontracted with Thales to provide ground segment and security equipment as well as system maintenance.