SSC Space and Airbus expand cooperation on Pléiades Neo missions

SSC Space has signed a multi-year contract with Airbus Defence and Space to serve as the prime ground segment provider for the Pléiades Neo and the upcoming Pléiades Neo Next Earth observation programs.

SSC Space will utilize its global network of ground stations, including the Esrange Space Center in Sweden, the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility in Canada, and the Punta Arenas Station in Chile. The company will provide routine telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) services, as well as high-throughput payload data reception.

The Pléiades Neo constellation currently offers 30 cm optical resolution. The next-generation Pléiades Neo Next mission, planned for a 2028 launch, aims to provide 20 cm-class native resolution and increased revisit capabilities. The agreement also includes support for the launch and early orbit operations (LEOP) phase for the new mission and focuses on optimizing ground infrastructure to reduce data latency for defense and commercial customers.