Airbus to supply satellite
communications system for the French
Southern and Antarctic Lands
22 June 2018
Airbus has won a three-year contract to
supply satellite communications in the
French Southern and Antarctic Lands
(TAAF). As satellite communication
meta-operator, Airbus will supply,
install and maintain the system and
ensure access to satellite resources for
those living and working in this
extremely remote area.
The contract covers satellite
communication systems deployed in the
Crozet islands, Kerguelen Islands and
Amsterdam Island. These Sub-Antarctic
islands located between the 37th
and 50th
parallel, where the Indian and Antarctic
oceans meet, are ideal locations for
observing climate change and
biodiversity.
The islands’ sole inhabitants are
researchers who study the wildlife,
plants and climate, technical teams who
handle logistical support
(infrastructure, energy, communications,
etc.) and military garrisons. They
usually spend between three months and a
year on site, and on these extremely
isolated islands, the telecommunications
system provides a vital link with the
rest of the world. Airbus will provide
internet access and a telephone network
for their professional and private
communications.
To guarantee reliable communications in
this region where the weather conditions
are harsh, the satellite system operates
in C band. This frequency band offers
particularly good propagation
capacities, even in heavy rain, which is
why it is also used in tropical regions.
The French Southern and Antarctic Lands
consist of the Crozet Islands, Kerguelen
Islands, Saint-Paul and Amsterdam
islands in the Sub-Antarctic, Adélie
Land in the Antarctic and the Scattered
Islands (îles Eparses) in the Mozambique
Channel and north of Reunion Island.
The Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands,
and Saint-Paul and Amsterdam islands
have been classified as a national
nature reserve. Spanning 672,969 km², it
is France’s largest nature reserve and
one of the largest marine protected
areas in the world. By preserving these
exceptional land and marine ecosystems,
researchers are able to carry out vital
studies for furthering knowledge of
biodiversity and its protection.
