# Syracuse 3A

> French military communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3508992](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3508992)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/syracuse-3a

## Summary
Syracuse 3A is a French military communications satellite launched in 2005, designed to support secure telecommunications for the French armed forces. It operates in geostationary orbit and was built by Alcatel Space using the Spacebus-4000B3 platform.

## Key Facts
- **Classifications**: Military satellite, communications satellite, geostationary satellite
- **Launch date**: October 13, 2005, at 22:32 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 5GS (flight V168)
- **Launch site**: ELA-3, Guiana Space Centre
- **Operator**: Direction générale de l'Armement (French Ministry of Defense)
- **Manufacturer**: Alcatel Space
- **Spacecraft bus**: Spacebus-4000B3
- **Mass**: 3,725 kg (launch weight)
- **Power sources**: Spacecraft solar array (2) and S400 (1)
- **Orbit**: Geostationary
- **Space tug**: EPS-V L10 (524g)
- **Aliases**: Syracuse IIIA, Syracuse 3
- **Country of origin**: France

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Syracuse 3A?
A: Syracuse 3A was a French military communications satellite designed to provide secure telecommunications for the French armed forces, operating in geostationary orbit.

### Q: Who launched Syracuse 3A?
A: Syracuse 3A was launched by the European Space Agency using an Ariane 5GS rocket (flight V168) from ELA-3 at the Guiana Space Centre on October 13, 2005.

### Q: What type of orbit does Syracuse 3A use?
A: Syracuse 3A is a geostationary satellite, meaning it maintains a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface.

### Q: Who operates Syracuse 3A?
A: Syracuse 3A is operated by the Direction générale de l'Armement, the French Ministry of Defense.

### Q: What was the mass of Syracuse 3A at launch?
A: Syracuse 3A had a launch mass of 3,725 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
Syracuse 3A was a critical component of France's military communications infrastructure, providing secure and reliable satellite-based telecommunications for the French armed forces. As a geostationary satellite, it offered continuous coverage, supporting defense operations, command and control, and secure data transmission. The satellite's launch and operation were part of France's broader efforts to enhance its military capabilities through advanced space technology. Syracuse 3A's deployment demonstrated France's commitment to maintaining a robust space-based communications network for national security.

## Notable For
- **Military-grade communications**: Designed specifically for secure defense communications.
- **Geostationary operation**: Maintained a fixed position over the Earth for continuous coverage.
- **Ariane 5 launch**: Utilized the Ariane 5GS rocket, a reliable European launch vehicle.
- **Spacebus platform**: Built on the Spacebus-4000B3 platform, a proven satellite bus.
- **French defense collaboration**: Operated by the Direction générale de l'Armement, ensuring integration with French military systems.

## Body
### Overview
Syracuse 3A is a French military communications satellite launched on October 13, 2005, as part of the Syracuse system. It was developed by Alcatel Space and operates in geostationary orbit, providing secure telecommunications for the French armed forces.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 3,725 kg at launch.
- **Power**: Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays and one S400 power source.
- **Spacecraft bus**: Based on the Spacebus-4000B3 platform.
- **Space tug**: EPS-V L10 (524g) was used during launch.

### Launch Details
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 5GS (flight V168).
- **Launch site**: ELA-3 at the Guiana Space Centre.
- **Launch date**: October 13, 2005, at 22:32 UTC.

### Operational Details
- **Operator**: Direction générale de l'Armement.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary.
- **Aliases**: Syracuse IIIA, Syracuse 3.

### Significance
Syracuse 3A was a key satellite in France's military communications network, supporting defense operations and secure data transmission. Its geostationary orbit ensured continuous coverage, making it a critical asset for the French Ministry of Defense. The satellite's launch and operation were part of France's broader space-based defense initiatives.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/syracuse-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report