GovSat Announces Contract for GovSat-2 Satellite to Enhance Luxembourg’s Defence Communications

Cannes, July 24, 2025 – GovSat (LuxGovSat S.A.), a public-private joint venture between the Luxembourg Government and world-leading satellite operator SES, together with Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), today announced the signing of a contract for the supply of a new defence geostationary communications satellite, GovSat-2.

Operating in X, Ka and UHF frequency bands, the satellite will provide secure and jam-resistant telecommunications services for the Luxembourg defence as well as for its partners. The satellite will be built on Thales Alenia Space’s Spacebus 4000B2 platform, renowned for its reliability and time-to-market efficiency.

GovSat-2 © Thales Alenia Space/Briot

As prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space will be responsible for the design, manufacturing, testing, and delivery of the satellite. GovSat-2 is expected to have an operational in-orbit service life exceeding 15 years.

“I wish to express my gratitude to GovSat and its shareholders, SES and the Luxembourg Government, for placing their trust in our company,” stated Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “GovSat-2 will enhance Luxembourg’s sovereignty in the field of defence satellite telecommunications. Today’s achievement is a new evidence of the rebound of the defence geostationary market. This new contract further underscores the success of our Spacebus 4000 product line, which has represented a total of 42 satellite programmes, including 16 based on the Spacebus 4000B2 platform.”

The satellite will be co-funded by SES and the Luxembourg Government (funding from the Luxembourg Directorate of Defence is subject to parliamentary approval of the corresponding draft law).

About THALES ALENIA SPACE

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental monitoring, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of solutions including services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of €2.23 billion in 2024 and has more than 8,100 employees in 7 countries with 15 sites in Europe.

GovSat-2: Strengthening Luxembourg’s Defense Capabilities from Space

Cannes, July 24, 2025 – In a landmark development for Luxembourg’s defense capabilities, GovSat (LuxGovSat S.A.) has entered into a significant partnership with Thales Alenia Space to manufacture GovSat-2, a state-of-the-art defense geostationary communications satellite. This collaboration between the Luxembourg Government and SES, a world-leading satellite operator, marks a major leap forward in secure telecommunications for both Luxembourg’s defense sector and its international partners.

Why GovSat-2 Matters

The GovSat-2 satellite will operate across X, Ka, and UHF frequency bands, providing secure and jam-resistant communications services essential for modern military operations. Its design aims to enhance Luxembourg’s sovereignty in defense telecommunications—a critical factor in today’s increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Thales Alenia Space has been selected as the prime contractor for this ambitious project, harnessing the reliability and efficiency of its Spacebus 4000B2 platform. This platform has established a stellar track record, supporting over 42 satellite programs to date. GovSat-2 is expected to boast an operational lifespan of over 15 years, ensuring long-term support for defense initiatives and international alliances.

Leadership’s Vision

Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in his company, emphasizing that GovSat-2 will catapult Luxembourg’s defense capabilities into the future. He remarked, “Today’s achievement is a new evidence of the rebound of the defense geostationary market.” This milestone not only underscores the success of the Spacebus 4000 product line but also signifies the growing importance of satellite technology in defense strategies globally.

Co-Funding and Collaboration

GovSat-2 is co-funded by SES and the Luxembourg Government, pending parliamentary approval of the necessary draft law to secure funding from the Luxembourg Directorate of Defence. This collaborative financial model showcases the commitment of both the government and private sector to bolster national security through advanced technology.

About Thales Alenia Space

Thales Alenia Space has long been at the forefront of aerospace technology, drawing on over 40 years of experience to deliver cost-effective solutions in telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, and more. With consolidated revenues of €2.23 billion in 2024 and employing over 8,100 people across 15 sites in Europe, Thales Alenia Space is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of governments and industries alike.

Looking Ahead

As GovSat-2 prepares to take its place in orbit, the satellite will not only enhance Luxembourg’s defense telecommunications but also set a benchmark for future collaborations in the global defense and aerospace sectors. The advancements brought forth by this project will play a pivotal role in ensuring secure communications for Luxembourg and its partners, shaping the future landscape of defense technology.

This breakthrough serves as a reminder that space exploration and satellite technology are not merely domains for commercial benefit; they are essential components of national defense strategies and international cooperation. As we look ahead, the successful deployment of GovSat-2 will mark a significant chapter in Luxembourg’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and fostering global security alliances.

Stay tuned for more updates as this remarkable initiative unfolds!