Program: Essaim

French ELINT microsatellite program

The concept and technology was first experimented with Cerise and Clementine.

Experimental ELINT system. Fly on 2 out-of-phase orbits.

Operational system planned for 2009: first set of 4 satellites: 3 active and 1 in-orbit spare. Will fly in a triangle formation so that it may operate as a large, virtual antenna. Worth EUR 170 million.

Swath width: from 400 km to 5000 km

Further plans: The Spirale missile-warning satellite and a laser-communication satellite named Lola.

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