Page 23 - Italy In Space

Telecommunication Satellites [7]

April 20, 2009. Launch of Sicral-1B. NATO chose the Sicral system to develop a network of protected
telecommunications among the allied countries. It was launched from a Russian mobile Sea Launch
platform and will be operational until 2019. Commemorative cover postmarked, on the day of launch,
in Korolëv where is based the Mission Control Center supporting the mission.

February 6, 2014. Launch of ATHENA-FIDUS, Satellite Communication System, implemented by the
Italian and French Space Agencies and Ministries of Defence, for broadband communication services,
aimed at military, governmental and civilian users. The system will support French and Italian specific
communication missions in Ka band and EHF band (Italy only). Commemorative cover postmarked in
Kourou with the Ariane 5 special manual postmark.

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