Communications is one sector of space activity that has a truly commercial nature- the ESA Artemis spacecraft will herald the start of a new generation of technology and communications services. Built in Europe by a consortium of companies for launch on 12 July 2001, on Ariane 5 from the European launch base in Kourou, French Guiana, Artemis is a satellite for testing and operating new telecommunications services. It will have a dual purpose- to demonstrate affordable, wide-coverage mobile communications satellite services and to test direct satellite-to-satellite communications, including a revolutionary laser link to replace conventional earthbound relay systems.
With a planned in-orbit lifetime of ten years, Artemis will impact many areas. Service providers will benefit from the experience gained with with operations in mobile communications; satellite manufacturers will expand technological capabilities and competitiveness in the world market; and, because Artemis will help to bring data directly to t

10:00:53 Artemis Graphics
10:02:33 Artemis Development
10:05:53 Ariane 5, the Artemis Launch Vehicle
10:07:45 Artemis Payload 1: Mobile Voice and
 Data Communications
10:10:50 Artemis Payload 2: Satellite Navigation
10:24:42 Artemis Payload 3: Intersatellite
 Communications
10:31:07 ESA's Pioneering Telecommunications
 Satellites
10:34:15 I/V Mr Petro Lo Galbo, ESA Head of
 Communications Department [GB/I]
 10:38:30 ends