The French Space Agency (CNES) is preparing to launch a new generation of microsatellites, Myriade, developed to offer to scientists a consequently cheaper access to space.
The first microsat, Demeter, will be launched on June 29th from Baikonur a top of a converted SS-18 intercontinental ballistic missile. It will study electromagnetic perturbations created by earthquakes.
In October 2004, Parasol should be launched with an Ariane 5 as a piggyback to the military observation satellite Helios 2. With Myriade, CNES is offering faster and cheaper access to space.
The Myriade bus is small (a dice of 60 cm length) and weighs very little (120 kg). These are 2 requirements to be accepted as piggyback payload onboard big launchers.
Although their size does not qualify the bus for telecommunications, Alcatel Space and EADS Astrium, both partners on this brand new microsatellite bus, are already looking into exporting opportunities.
