Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo 33%), and Telespazio, the joint venture between Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%), have signed a follow-on contract with the Italian Ministry of Defense, for the SICRAL 3 secure satellite communications system and its ground segment. This latest contract covers the development of phase D. It continues a complex, process that started with the initial phases 0/A, followed by phases B and C and several implementation phases, leading up to the launch of SICRAL 3A by 2026 and subsequently the launch of SICRAL 3B.
SICRAL, the Italian System for Secure Communications and Alerts, comprises geostationary satellites for strategic and tactical communications, which support various defense missions, both in Italy and abroad. The new SICRAL 3 system is designed to meet Italian defense communications and interoperability requirements. It will ensure continuity with the current SHF and UHF-band telecom services provided by the SICRAL 1A, 1B and SICRAL 2 satellites, while expanding its range of services with a new Ka-band payload, as well as supporting security, public rescue and civil protection services.
To implement the SICRAL 3 program, the two companies comprising the Space Alliance have formed a temporary consortium (RTI), with Thales Alenia Space as the agent company and Telespazio as the prime contractor.
More specifically, Thales Alenia Space will be responsible for the entire telecommunications system, the space segment with the design and integration of the system as well as the design, production, and integration of innovative UHF, SHF and Ka-band payloads. The space segment of SICRAL 3 will consist of two geostationary satellites, Sicral 3A and Sicral 3B. The innovative aspects include the satellite platforms, which feature electric propulsion, a highly modular design and a high level of autonomy, guaranteeing the possibility of orbital transfer based on sensors and GNSS/GPS receivers to control the satellite’s positioning and attitude. Leonardo will supply the star sensors enable SICRAL 3 to orient itself and maintain the correct attitude in orbit
Telespazio will be responsible for the highly innovative ground segment, , developed in conjunction with current SICRAL infrastructures at the MoD’s Control Center in Vigna di Valle and the Fucino Space Center. In addition, the company will be responsible for the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and In Orbit Testing (IOT) of the satellites.
Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio have already delivered two first-generation SICRAL satellites to the Italian Ministry of Defense, SICRAL 1 (no longer operational) and SICRAL 1B, and the second-generation SICRAL 2 satellite.