Definition of the system will take until end of 2009. Payload development and system and user segment developments will be ready for an implementation of the system and the mission itself is planned for 2012.
After receiving a high level of subscriptions at the Conference of Ministers in charge of space activities within the 18 ESA Members States and Canada in November 2008, The ARTES 7 EDRS initiative officially began on 17 February 2009.
Four Phase 0 studies were completed by Telespazio, SES Astra/Redu Space Services, Eutelsat, and Astrium Services at the end of 2008. More information about these studies can be found by clicking here and following the links under Phase 0 Studies.
ARTES 7 (EDRS) is a specific element dedicated to the development and implementation of a European Data Relay Satellite (EDRS) System. Data relay satellites are satellites placed in geostationary orbit to relay information to/from non-geostationary satellites, spacecraft, other vehicles and fixed Earth stations, which otherwise are not able to permanently transmit/receive data.
To add to Europe’s independence, the European Data Relay Satellite System will fill the gap of an independent European telecom network that is fast, reliable, seamless and will make on-demand data available at the right place at the right time.
For more information, see the links located in the top right column of this page.
