Clémentine (satellite)
| Company type | Satellite |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
| Founded | December 3, 1999 |
| Founder | Alcatel Space (currently Thales) |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Compact reconnaissance satellite |
Clémentine () is a compact reconnaissance satellite developed by Alcatel Space (currently Thales) for the French DGA. Its primary mission is to analyze Earth's radio-electrical environment from orbit, acting as the follow-up to the Cerise satellite.
Constructed on the SSTL-70 platform and weighing approximately 50 kilograms, Clémentine was deployed on 3 December 1999 aboard an Ariane 4 V-124 launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Centre. It operates in a sun-synchronous orbit around Earth at an altitude near 580 kilometers, with an inclination angle of 98.25°, enhancing France's military capabilities in signals intelligence.
This project exemplifies a strategic focus on developing small, economical space systems tailored for defense purposes, highlighting collaboration between French aerospace industry leaders and national defense authorities.