Helios (French reconnaissance satellites)

Helios 1A

Advanced French optical military reconnaissance satellites based on SPOT 4. The Missile and Space Directorate (DME) of the French armament agency (DGA) heads the overall Helios program, which is funded by France, Spain, and Italy. The imaging system uses 4,096 × 2,048 pixel linear CCDs (charge-coupled devices) to provide images with 1-5 m resolution. Helios-1B suffered a breakdown of its power supply system and could no longer function after operating for just under its 5-year nominal life expectancy. It was reported in October 2004 that Helios 1B had been deorbited. Helios 1A continues to operate.

Related categories

   • MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE AND SURVEILLANCE
   • SATELLITES AND SPACE PROBES
   • FRANCE IN SPACE

spacecraft	launch vehicle	launch date	launch site	orbit	mass (kg)
Helios 1A	Ariane 4	Jul. 7, 1995	Kourou	679 × 682 km × 98.1°	2,537
Helios 1B	Ariane 4	Dec. 3, 1999	Kourou	679 × 681 km × 98.1°	2,537

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