4C Controls Inc. (OTCBB: FOUR.OB) has selected Thales Alenia Space Italia S.P.A. (TASI) as the prime contractor for the in-orbit delivery of the first two satellites with related Ground Segment of the planned 4C Controls’ satellites constellation. The two satellites are expected to be equipped with very high-resolution (1 meter) synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The first satellite is planned to be in orbit by end of 2011. The activation of this relationship with Thales Alenia Space Italia will be the basis of a strategic partnership between 4C Controls and Thales Alenia Space Italia. The partnership will involve long term technical and commercial cooperation. The expertise of 4C Controls in the satellite technologies, provided by the Politecnico di Torino (Polito), combined with the record of Thales Alenia Space Italia, provides a unique platform for the 4C Controls planned Earth Observation Multi Satellite Program. 4C Controls is focused on design, engineering, development, construction, sales, and operations of high-performing SAR satellites for research, earth observation, remote sensing, and security surveillance. 4C Controls plans to place into service one of the most advanced, high-capacity, high-resolution commercial imaging SAR satellites in the world. 4C Controls will focus on significant market opportunities in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America where there is growing demand for low equatorial position, high resolution, small satellites. SAR satellites have the ability to provide all-weather, day-and-night imaging, which are mission critical capabilities for a variety of end-user applications. The satellites are expected to have the following main characteristics…
- High-resolution: 1 meter resolution
- Regional Data Downlink: data transmission during data acquisition, using a network of ground stations located in the observed regional areas
- Low inclination orbit with altitude of 536 km
- X-band SAR: enables clear imaging through cloud and night skies
