The German Armed Forces have awarded a contract for three communications satellites to Airbus. In the parallel “SARah” spy programme of competitor OHB, key components remain blocked in space.
The German Bundeswehr has awarded the main contract for the next generation of the “Satcombw 3” military satellite system to the space and defence division of Airbus in Bremen. The contract, worth €2.1 billion (according to the company), includes the provision of two geostationary communications satellites, a frequency control satellite and the necessary ground segments in Weilheim, Bavaria, as well as two military-operated stations in Gerolstein and Kastellaun (Rhineland-Palatinate). These are used for data transmission from the satellites and as interfaces to terrestrial communication networks. The contract also includes the launch and operation of the system for the next 15 years.
Three weeks ago, the Bundestag Budget Committee approved the funds for the military “Satcombw 3” programme. It is intended to ensure the global operational capability of the Bundeswehr, and Germany is also fulfilling its NATO obligations. In addition, the Bundeswehr wants to become less dependent on commercial satellite networks such as SpaceX’s Starlink.
Airbus is also planning to work with OHB in Bremen to manufacture the six-tonne satellites. Central elements such as the integration of the payloads and solar arrays are to be assembled in Germany. Numerous smaller German companies are to be involved in the realisation of the “Satcombw” system
Another military project in space is currently giving the Bundeswehr a headache: last week, several media outlets reported on serious problems with the “SARah” project, citing confidential information provided by the Ministry of Defence to the Bundestag. According to this information, two of the three satellites of the espionage programme launched at the end of last year are unable to provide radar images independent of daylight as their antenna masts cannot be unfolded. OHB, the manufacturer of the satellites, has been trying in vain for over six months to move the antennas with the help of the control software and flight manoeuvres.
The Ministry of Defence blames OHB for the failure and demanded an “updated plan for further action” by the beginning of July. It is criticised that OHB did not adequately test the antenna functionality on the ground before launching the satellites, which is considered unusual.
The “SARah” project, which was agreed in 2013 at a cost of around €800 million, has since increased in price to around €1.2 billion. It is intended to replace the five satellites of the previous Bundeswehr system “SAR-Lupe”, which has been in operation since 2007 and has exceeded its service life. The Bundeswehr now hopes that the old system can continue to be used for a few more years. However, “SAR-Lupe” is becoming increasingly susceptible to malfunctions due to signs of ageing, and the fuel on board the satellites is also running out.
The fact that the Bundeswehr launched the new system with the Elon Musk company SpaceX and not with European Ariane rockets also caused displeasure. SpaceX has a high success rate in space launches and is experienced in transporting sensitive payloads, including military and intelligence equipment. Nevertheless, there is a risk that the technology could be spied on or sabotaged during a launch abroad. It is also possible that vibrations during the SpaceX rocket launch caused the spy satellites’ antennas to become jammed in “SARah”.
The German Armed Forces want to start the “SARah Successor” project with new spy satellites from 2034. The companies Airbus and OHB have been commissioned to conduct concept studies for this, but the project is currently still in the planning phase.
Published in German in „nd“.
Image: The “SARah” observation system is intended to replace the ageing five satellites from the “SAR-Lupe” programme. However, some antennas are jammed (OHB).
Leave a Reply