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SSC Space and Airbus expand cooperation on Pléiades Neo and the new Pléiades Neo Next

SSC Space has signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space to provide extended ground station support for the Pléiades Neo mission and the new Pléiades Neo Next mission. 

SSC Space will serve as the prime ground segment provider for these two very-high-resolution Airbus Earth observation programs, using SSC ground stations at Esrange Space Center in Sweden, Inuvik Satellite Station Facility in Canada, and Punta Arenas Station in Chile.

Pléiades Neo provides native 30 cm optical resolution, while Pléiades Neo Next is designed to add 20 cm-class native resolution and higher revisit. This fleet of satellites strengthens Airbus' Earth observation capabilities and reinforces its leading position in geospatial technologies.

The agreement includes SSC Space delivery of routine on-orbit telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) and data reception services for both missions while in orbit, as well as support to the launch and early orbit operations (LEOP) phase for Pléiades Neo Next, planned for 2028. It also includes optimization of the ground segment to support enhanced latency requirements, for faster data delivery to Airbus customers.

“We are excited to expand our collaboration with Airbus on the next generation of its geospatial capabilities, including Pléiades Neo and Pléiades Neo Next. We will support advanced operations and enable low-latency data delivery – meeting the growing demand for faster access to Earth observation data across both defense and commercial markets,” says Stefan Pessirilo, Business Development Director at SSC Space.

“This collaboration highlights Airbus’ ability to work with solid European partners to continuously enhance its services, remain at the forefront of Earth observation capabilities and serve its customers at best. Our continued work with SSC demonstrates our excellent collaboration and the performance of our joint activities,“ says Eric Even, Head of Space Digital at Airbus Defence and Space.