While Europe's surveillance capabilities have been bolstered by the recent launch of a second French Helios 1 satellite, European nations remain far apart in efforts to forge a space-based intelligence capability that would reduce their dependence on the U.S. This recon shortfall was seen as a major handicap in Europe's contribution to the NATO cause during the Kosovo conflict. An Ariane 4 booster lofted the new Helios 1B optical surveillance satellite into orbit on Dec. 3. The spacecraft, built by Matra Marconi Space (bus) and Alcatel Space (payload), transmitted its first images to the French air force's image-download center at Colmar in northeastern France on Dec. 4.
展开▼
