This latest contract covers the development of phase D1. 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.
“Thanks to SICRAL 3, Italy and NATO can continue to count on safe, effective satellite communications. Leonardo and Thales, through the Space Alliance, are very proud of SICRAL. It‘s a textbook case of complex space program management and the sterling collaboration between industry and the Ministry of Defense. By continuing this program and expanding the services provided, especially with the new Ka-band capacity and the IW (Integrated Waveform) platform, the Italian Ministry of Defense will deploy the required operational capacity and consolidate its existing partnership with industry on UHF services”.
Luigi Pasquali, CEO of Telespazio
SICRAL 3
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.
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.
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
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.