The project Symphonie - Intermediate evaluation and perspectives

An agreement concerning a joint French-German communications satellite project, called the project Symphonie, was reached by the governments of the two countries involved in June 1967. The first of the two flight models considered in the agreement was placed into orbit in December 1974. The second flight model was launched in August 1975. The phase concerned with the utilization of the satellites in orbit is expected to include a time period of at least five years. The objectives of the project Symphonie are discussed along with the approaches used in the implementation of the project. Attention is also given to financial considerations and the significance of the Symphonie project for European space capabilities.