SSC Space expands Airbus ground segment deal to cover Pléiades Neo Next
SSC Space · Airbus Defence and Space
SSC Space will provide tracking, data reception, and launch support for Airbus' higher-resolution Pléiades Neo Next satellites.
what happened
SSC Space signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space to serve as prime ground segment provider for the existing Pléiades Neo constellation and the new Pléiades Neo Next mission, per SSC Space's own release. SSC will deliver routine on-orbit telemetry, tracking and command plus data reception for both missions from its Esrange (Sweden), Inuvik (Canada), and Punta Arenas (Chile) ground stations, plus launch and early orbit operations support for Pléiades Neo Next, and will optimize the ground segment for lower-latency data delivery, per SSC Space. Pléiades Neo Next is designed for 20 cm-class native resolution and higher revisit than the 30 cm-resolution Pléiades Neo, with launch planned for 2028, per SSC Space.
why it matters
The deal keeps SSC as Airbus' ground segment partner through the transition from the current Pléiades Neo constellation to a higher-resolution successor, giving Airbus continuity on launch support and tracking through a multi-year handover and giving SSC recurring revenue tied to one of Europe's flagship commercial EO constellations.
signal-to-noise
quick facts
- Companies
- SSC Space, Airbus Defence and Space
- Category
- partnership
- Impact
- notable
- SNR
- 5 / 5
- Event date
- 2026-09-21
- Published
- 2026-09-21 13:34 UTC