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Alcatel To Build Two Early Warning Satellites

By Staff Writer | January 20, 2004

      Alcatel Space, a subsidiary of Paris-based Alcatel [NYSE: ALA], has been selected by EADS Astrium, the prime contractor for France’s SPIRALE early warning satellite program, to build two demonstration satellites. The 124 million euro (US$155.8 million) SPIRALE program involves the supply and operation of a complete ballistic missile early warning system. It will gather and analyze infrared images of terrestrial backgrounds to detect ballistic missiles during their powered phase, just after launch. Alcatel Space will be the prime contractor for the space segment, comprising two 120-kilogram (265 pound) micro-satellites in elliptical orbit. They will be launched in 2008 by an Ariane 5 rocket.