Airbus to deliver a high resolution optical satellite system to Poland

In addition, the agreement includes the provision of very high resolution (VHR) imagery of the Airbus Pléiades Neo constellation as early as 2023. This contract is the first export success achieved with the support of the French government. The Airbus S950 VHR optical satellite is the result of the development of the Pléiades Neo constellation, which has two satellites in orbit since 2021. This state-of-the-art system offers top performance in VHR optical capabilities combined with high on-orbit agility.

Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, said, "This contract will provide Poland with one of the world’s most sophisticated satellite Earth observation systems. It strengthens Europe and gives the Polish nation a truly sovereign space capability. We look forward to further developing our cooperation with Poland under the umbrella of the strategic partnership between France and Poland."

Following the launch of the satellites from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, the images from the Polish satellites will be received directly in Poland by the infrastructure of the National Satellite System, ensuring full autonomy. With this announcement, Airbus consolidates its position as the world's leading exporter of Earth observation satellites. It is an important sign of confidence in the company's technology and confirms Airbus' strategy of investing in the Pléiades Neo constellation, which is considered the reference for VHR geo-information systems. The satellites will be assembled, integrated and tested in Airbus' clean rooms in Toulouse. Launch is planned for 2027. In the meantime, Poland will have direct access to Pléiades Neo imagery from Airbus from 2023.