Paris, November 7, 2001 – French space agency CNES (Centre National
d’Etudes Spatiales) has chosen Alcatel Space to provide operations and
maintenance services for various control stations at its Aussaguel site
near Toulouse in southwest France. Taking effect January 1, 2002, this
contract will foster synergies between CNES’s Network Operations Center
(COR), already run by Alcatel Space teams, and the Aussaguel 2-GHz network
station, all operations being progressively transferred to the Network
Operations Center.
The contract covers a total of 12 stations, including the 2-GHz station of
the satellite tracking network (orbital positioning and routine operations)
and the control stations for Jason and Stentor satellites.
Alcatel Space has built up a close relationship with CNES for all ground
operations, and has the capabilities needed to take over from the former
operator, without requiring a transition phase. Teams from Alcatel Space
are highly experienced, and fully trained in the operation and maintenance
of space systems. Drawing on these capabilities, Alcatel Space will ensure
dependable, effective and flexible services for CNES.
With this contract, Alcatel Space will be responsible for operating CNES’s
entire 2-GHz network used for satellite orbital positioning.
Over the last dozen years, Alcatel Space has successfully operated
ground-based systems for CNES, ESA (European Space Agency), Eumetsat,
Arianespace and the DLR (German Space Agency), in Europe, Kourou (French
Guiana) and the Kerguelen Islands making it the European leader in this
field.
Alcatel Space already operates the Europe*Star satellite control and
mission center at its Toulouse site, as well as the TT&C station which is
located at its antenna range in Lherm.
About Alcatel Space
Alcatel Space ranks among the world’s leading space systems prime
contractors. Leveraging its dual expertise in civil and military
applications, Alcatel Space develops satellite technology solutions for
telecommunications, navigation, optical and radar observation, meteorology,
and scientific applications. Alcatel Space established its world leadership
in satellite orders in 2000, winning the most orders for geostationary
communications satellites, with a total of 10 satellites (27% of the
market). A fully-owned subsidiary of Alcatel (100%), Alcatel Space
generated 2000 revenues of 1.4 billion euros and has 6,000 employees.
About Alcatel
Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA; NYSE: ALA) builds next generation networks,
delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data networking solutions to
established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers
worldwide. With sales of EURO 31 billion in 2000 and 110,000 employees and,
Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
