Thales Alenia Space has successfully launched a second military communications satellite for the German armed forces, ComSatBw, using an Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle from Kourou Spaceport.

The ComSatBw military communications satellites provides a secure broadband network, ensuring uninterrupted communications between the government, military authorities and armed forces deployed worldwide.

Based on the Thales Alenia Space Spacebus 3000B2 platform, the multimission geostationary satellites carry payloads including super-high-frequency and ultra-high-frequency transponders provided by the space segment prime contractor for German Forces, EADS Astrium.

The ComSatBw satellite weighs around 2,500kg at launch, provides 3.5kW of power and has a design life of approximately 15 years.