SICRAL
SICRAL (Sistema Italiano per Comunicazioni Riservate ed Allarmi, Italian System for Secure Communications and Alerts), is Italy’s satellite system for military communications, boasting unprecedented flexibility and versatility. The system allows interoperability between the networks of defence, law enforcement and civil emergency agencies, and those responsible for the management of strategic infrastructure.

The SICRAL (Italian System for Secure Communications and Alerts) program deploys geostationary satellites for confidential strategic and tactical communications, to support defense missions both in Italy and abroad.

Over the years, the program has been divided into several phases. The first began in 2001 with the launch of the SICRAL 1, no longer in service. The second phase began in 2009 with the launch of SICRAL 1B, and the third phase, in cooperation with France, started in April 2015 with the launch of SICRAL 2

In 2021, Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space have signed a contract with the Italian Ministry of Defense for the development of the SICRAL 3 secure satellite communications system, including its ground segment.

SICRAL 3

SICRAL 3 will include two geostationary satellites, SICRAL 3A and SICRAL 3B, 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 1B and SICRAL 2 satellites, while expanding its suite of services by providing a Ka-band payload, as well as supporting security, public rescue and civil protection services.

SICRAL 3 will also capitalize on the ongoing developments within the ItalGovSatCom (I-GSC) program, a pillar of the evolving “Space Economy” and the programmes of military research and will help expand NATO’s current satellite capabilities.

The Vigna di Valle Control Center

Telespazio’s role

For all the SICRAL missions, Telespazio managed the phases of design, construction, integration and testing of the ground segment at the Defence Control Centre (CIGC) of Vigna di Valle (Rome) and in the Fucino Space Centre, that plays the role of back-up centre. Telespazio also managed the LEOP (Launch and Early Orbit Phase) and IOT (In-Orbit Test) phases.

For SICRAL 1B and SICRAL 2, Telespazio also succeeded in the launch services. For SICRAL 2, Telespazio is also responsible for the interconnection system between the Italian and French mission centres.

Telespazio has participated in the investments for the construction of SICRAL 1B and SICRAL 2, thus consolidating its role as military telecommunications satellite operator (MILSATCOM). The company has part of the transmission capacity of SICRAL 1B and SICRAL 2 and provides communications services to the Armed Forces of NATO member states.

For SICRAL 3, Telespazio will manage the development of the highly innovative ground segment, drawing on synergies with previous SICRAL developments for the Vigna di Valle Control Center and the Fucino Space Center. The company will be in charge of the satellites’ launch and early orbit phase (LEOP) and in-orbit tests (IOT).

The role of industry

SICRAL 3 is the result and expression of the best skills of the Italian space industry.