Brazil Establishes SGDC Government Communications Satellite System

Thales has been selected by Brazil in order to play a key role in its space development plans and meeting the Ministry of Defense's strategic further requirements.

Thales Alenia Space announced today a contract signed with Visiona (a joint venture between Embraer and Telebras) for the Geostationary Defense and Strategic Communications Satellite (SGDC) program.

It satisfies two primary objectives for the country: the deployment of a secure satellite communications system for the Brazilian government and armed forces; and the deployment of the National Broadband Plan (PNBL), coordinated by the operator Telebras, to reduce the digital divide in the country. The SGDC program is an integral part of Brazil's strategy to reinforce its independence and sovereignty.

Based on the Spacebus 4000 platform, the SGDC satellite will carry two payloads, one with 50 Ka-band transponders offering throughput of up to 80 Gbps, and the other with seven X-band transponders. The satellite will weigh about 5.8 metric tons at liftoff, and will offer more than 11 kW of power. Delivered on the ground in 31 months, it will be positioned in orbit at 75 degrees West.

The contract also includes a complete ground segment for satellite and mission control, along with orbital positioning, acceptance testing in orbit and operational support, preceded by a complete training program for Brazilian operators.

"This contract is very important for our company," said Jean Loïc Galle, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space. "Our people are now mobilized to make sure we meet all our commitments, and to ensure the smooth integration of Brazilian companies in this major project. I would also like to thank French and Italian government agencies for their support in successfully concluding this new international collaboration."