CERES (satellite)
CERES is a space-based electronic signals intelligence program by France's military consisting of 3 formation-flying spacecraft.Presentation
France has sent several signals intelligence demonstration missions into orbit. The most recent ones, the Essaim and Elisa, consisted in formation-flying spacecraft able to triangulate the location of radar and communication emitters, using the same principle as NOSS constellation. These pathfinder programs are to be replaced by an operational mission called CERES, which will use 3 formation-flying satellites to locate and characterize electromagnetic emitters. The launch is planned for 2021. Thales Alenia Space will provide the EliteBus busses and Airbus Defense and Space the payload. The program cost is estimated at 450M€.
