Symphonie
The Symphonie satellites were the first communications satellites built by France and Germany (and the first to use three-axis stabilization in geostationary orbit with a bipropellant propulsion system) to provide geostationary orbit injection and station-keeping during their operational lifetime. After the launch of the second flight model, they comprised the first complete telecommunications satellite system (including an on-orbit spare and a dedicated ground control segment). They were the result of a program of formal cooperation between France and Germany.
Read more about Symphonie: 1963–1970: Beginnings, Industrial Organization, 1970: Satellite Development, Launch and Lifespan, Uses, After Symphonie, Firsts, See Also, Sources, External Links