GROUND CONTROL SEGMENT

Prime contractor for space systems
Whether managing a satellite or a space-borne vehicle, a fleet of satellites or a constellation of spacecraft, CS offers the best solution for optimal control of space resources – from validation through to mission-critical operations. Command and control, mission programming, flight dynamics, satellite simulators, test benches and earth stations: CS deploys its know-how in space mechanics and ground-space interfaces. Its solutions allow for piloting different kinds of spacecraft: from fleets of mini- or micro-satellites in low earth orbit to geostationary telecommunication satellites. Moreover, this includes the ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle), which is set soon to rendezvous with the international space station.

USER GROUND SEGMENT

All along the processing chain
For user ground segments, CS handles everything from mission programming to data dissemination, including optimizing fulfillment. CS is present in the building of mission control centers for most of Europe's earth observation programs: SPOT 1 through 5, Helios 1 and 2, and SAR-Lupe. Its latest significant contribution has been as today's prime contractor for the processing chain of Pleiades, a major program that requires both civil and military mission management abilities. CS expertise in scientific data processing, particularly in the fields of quality and image processing, backs its work for the Image Quality Center of a Vegetation Observation Instrument, and an Expertise Cluster in Image Quality for Helios 2. The company also works at CNES's Pleiades Image Calibration Center (ICC).

SPACE-BORNE OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FOR PLEIADES

The French Space Agency (CNES) awarded CS responsibility in conducting space-borne operations for Pleiades. The Pleiades satellites are future spacecraft for earth observation, featuring high-resolution optical imagery. The program, with both a civil and military role, is scheduled to launch its first satellite at the end of 2009 and a second one, one year later.
Starting from its experience and know-how in space projects that involve ground segments, CS is set to participate for the first time in satellite monitoring and control. The project calls for operational preparation of control and remote command of the satellite, from the moment of separation from the launcher until it reaches station (orbital insertion), and then the monitoring of operations and mission conduct during the first months of operation (station-keeping).
CS won this contract, mainly thanks to its acknowledged skills in space, but also its ability to propose structures that allow it to meet needs for responsiveness and mastery of constraints, specific to satellite operations.
CS is henceforth present across the entire spectrum of satellite operational activities, from development to systems integration to operation of earth and onboard resources, and thus confirms the confidence entrusted in it by CNES.

IMAGERY AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

From sensor to applications
Today, CS blends its skills from different fields of excellence to take up the challenges of its customers, especially those that concern space-borne surveillance and intelligence gathering. Consequently, CS meets the needs of players, both in the industrial sector and institutional decision-makers. It is in the vanguard of Europe's solutions providers for geographical data and satellite image processing. For this purpose, it integrates into the same system information coming from space-borne observation technologies, telecommunications, data capture and geo-positioning, all enhanced with land use and meteorological data.
By positioning itself all along the value chain, from sensor to applications, CS provides an optimal response to the requirements of its customers. These cover everything from engineering studies for the definition of future instruments to operational ways and means, constantly taking into account the stakes in interoperability and operational performance.
In the space applications sector, this systems concept enables answers to some of the world's most pressing questions: how to increase crop productivity and reduce the impact of land use, how to assess soil and water resources, how to manage "natural" risks, and how to master urban and suburban dynamics, while contributing to military intelligence. Beyond image processing, CS studies and designs comprehensive systems, which offer timely assistance for political, economic and social decision-making.

FLIGHT SOFTWARE

The intelligence in satellites
Capitalizing on its expertise in embedded avionics systems, CS participated in important projects, such as ATV Syracuse III and Pharao. In addition, all of the work awarded to CS by CNES and its partners for Project Myriade has allowed it to expand and consolidate its technical know-how in this field. Whether through studies, research or operational projects, CS has developed technical and operational know-how in onboard computer architectures, and a level of expertise in innovative architectures that allow it to carry out developments and also provide support for information processing.


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