The Symphonie satellites were the first communications satellites built by France and Germany to provide geostationary orbit injection and station-keeping during their operational lifetime. After the launch of the second flight model, they comprised the first complete telecommunications satellite system. They were the result of a program of formal cooperation between France and Germany.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Symphonie-A, a Franco-German communications satellite scheduled for launch by KSC's Unmanned Launch Operations Directorate no earlier than Dec. 17, was uncrated at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station today.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Symphonie-A, a Franco-German communications satellite scheduled for launch by KSC's Unmanned Launch Operations Directorate no earlier than Dec. 17, was uncrated at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station today.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The solar panels of Symphonie-A, a Franco-German communications satellite to be launched by KSC aboard a Delta rocket in December, undergo checkout in Hangar S at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mating of the Symphonie spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA