Safran DSI - ARES (formerly IRIS) Mobile Tracking Antenna
ARES (formerly IRIS) from Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (formerly Safran Data Systems, Inc.) represents the next-gen in transportable antenna systems. Packed in portable cases for easy handling, ARES can be shipped using standard methods and be fully operational in under an hour in the field, standing by to support satellites. Utilizing a reliable pedestal design and a dual-band concentric feed, ARES antenna ensures pinpoint accuracy and top-notch antenna performance. Crafted from standard (LRU) parts, it’s a breeze to maintain and service on-site, guaranteeing maximum uptime for all satellite missions. Combined with the SATCORE combo box (Command/Control modem & high-rate receiver) and the TM MAESTRO Monitoring & Control software, ARES is the all-in-one portable satellite tracking system.
Track any Satellite from 100 Miles Altitude with No Keyhole
Teamed up with the SATCORE combo box (Command/Control modem & High Data Rate Receiver) and the TM Maestro Monitoring & Control software, ARES antenna stands out as your ultimate all-in-one portable satellite tracking system.
ARES Features
Fast Set Up / Tear Down |
Single Tool for Mounting less than One Hour |
---|---|
Field Maintenance |
Made Out of LRU Parts for Easy Maintenance and Repair |
MIL Standard Compliant |
Easy Handling |
Standard Shipping |
15 Two-Man-Portable Boxes FedEx, UPS, … Compatible |
Designed for Field Operations |
Air Cooling Free, Auto North Alignment, Auto Ground Compensation |
The Future, Off-The-Shelf |
More Product Information

IRIS optical ground stations are built to cater to a wide range of applications (LEO/GEO/Probes), including Earth observation, high throughput bi-directional telecommunications, feeder link, or deep space missions. The IRIS systems leverage the Cortex Lasercom, a globally recognized optical modem that supports various standards such as SDA, CCSDS, and HPE.

Safran’s SEEING™ 130 Wide includes a unique medium focal length catadioptric optics, limited by diffraction only and with ultra-low distortion, offering perfect imaging over 35 mm full-frame image format. It is fitted with a 10megapixel sensor.
SEEING™ 130 Wide enables high Signal to Noise Ratio for multispectral (MS), hyperspectral (HS) and low light level imaging. SEEING™ 130 Wide includes a spectral filter with 23 bands covering Blue, Green, Red, Near InfraRed and Red Edge MS, for a broad spectral range between 475 and 900nm. SEEING™ 130 Wide has a large Field of View of 6.3° x 4.3° / 54 x 36 km2 from a 500km/310 miles orbit.
In addition to its a thermal design within a robust structure, SEEING™ 130 Wide has a low SWaP, saving launch and operational costs.

The SPARTE 1300 series antenna is a tried-and-tested solution designed for mission-critical applications where reliable telemetry reception is essential. This antenna excels at accurately tracking flying targets, such as aircraft or space launch vehicles, even over long distances, thanks to its high-gain, large-aperture design.
Built with a robust and sturdy construction, the SPARTE 1300 series guarantees optimal performance in any scenario. It features an aluminum-alloy reflector for enhanced surface accuracy, SCM tracking feeds for dependable and precise tracking, and quad-drive motors for redundancy and no-backlash operation.

The CORTEX Best Source Selector (BSS) is the ultimate choice for real-time telemetry source selection. It’s the go-to tool for pinpointing the best Telemetry source among multiple antennas tracking the same airframe across various channels.
The Best Source Selector streamlines the selection process by automatically choosing the top Telemetry stream, even from up to 16 sources or more, using a combination of signal quality metrics and other criteria. With its extensive capabilities in aligning paths and compensating for delays, the CORTEX Best Source Selector ensures optimal source selection, no matter where the antennas are located or what kind of range infrastructure you’re working with.

Safran Ground Station is a turnkey ground segment solution with all required equipment and ground tools to proceed with removable media preparation and post-mission data retrieval and replay.
Key components are:
- Rugged Heavy duty Laptop PC for military environment
- RMM (Removable Memory Module) Docking Stations capable of reading up to 4 cartridges simultaneously, especially useful for mass debriefing.
- Ground software suite (RMM Manager, eZ Viewer, MUST), very intuitive and user-friendly interface, for replay and exploitation of data while allowing customizable configuration of the display for mission debriefing.
- Ruggedized Trolley Suitcase specifically adapted for the transport of the whole Ground Station.
This ground station, tested and approved by Safran before delivery, helps to accelerate the deployment on every integration Labs, Air Bases, and can be safely transported between different locations and environments

The SPARTE 300 series antenna is a battle-tested product that has consistently delivered top-tier performance for mission-critical applications where reliable telemetry reception is paramount. This rugged antenna guarantees our customers the utmost precision, a long operational life, and straightforward maintenance.
The SPARTE 300 series opens up a world of possibilities for users, ranging from aircraft tracking and high-speed target monitoring to duplex datalinks with both receiving and transmitting capabilities.
Furthermore, the extensive and customizable input/output options empower users to operate multiple antennas in a coordinated, multi-site tracking setup. With all antennas, regardless of size, being effortlessly monitored, managed and controlled by using our TM Maestro software.

The CORTEX RSR-RF (-40 or -200) stands as a digital recorder that plays a vital role in capturing and reproducing the RF analog signal received by the antenna before any processing occurs.
It’s an essential component in a Telemetry Station, ensuring the utmost availability of crucial data, particularly in cases where on-board recording is not feasible.
Data collected in-flight offers extensive post-processing flexibility. You can fine-tune various settings in the receiver, the bit synchronizer, and the decommutator to maximize the extraction of data, a feat achievable only with RF recording. Furthermore, it serves as an invaluable tool for test range qualification ahead of test flights.

The PPS®5000, produced by Safran Spacecraft Propulsion, is a Hall Effect Thruster purposely designed for “all-electric” satellites. It can operate in high-thrust or high specific impulse mode,and offers an operating lifespan of about 20,000 hours. This means it can handle orbital positioning and station-keeping duties for a wide range of telecom and navigation satellites, as well as exploration spacecraft. The PPS®5000 was fully qualified in 2021.

Enhance the reliability of your test data with EagleLink, designed specifically for aircraft and UAVs. EagleLink is crucial for preventing data loss that can delay missions and increase costs, making a dependable transmitter essential.
EagleLink exemplifies technological excellence, tailored for the stringent demands of aviation operations. Its cutting-edge SDR (Software-Defined Radio) architecture and SoC (System on Chip) integration offer superior adaptability for modulation and data preprocessing, ensuring readiness for future advancements.
The integration process is simple and efficient, facilitating quick deployment. EagleLink is compatible with standard PCM inputs or Ethernet for telemetry, adhering to IRIG-106 Chapter 7-2015 standards.
Opt for EagleLink for secure, reliable mission support and optimized resource management.

Safran DSI
Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI) is a leading provider of cutting-edge solutions designed to address the evolving challenges of national defense and advanced space missions. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Safran DSI operates through specialized business units in Optronics, Space Solutions, Testing & Telemetry, Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). Safran DSI leverages its parent company's innovative technologies and global resources to deliver unparalleled solutions across air, land, sea, and space domains.
Testing & Telemetry BU provides complete end-to-end solutions from instrumentation, mission systems, on board recording and transmitting to base station for monitoring and controlling data. Our complete solutions are platform agnostic and are adaptable to the customer mission needs. Our instrumentation and telemetry turnkey solutions for mobile and stationary systems. This includes, but not limited to, data acquisition units (DAUs), on board recording, ground receiving, recording, and processing applications for fixed and rotary wing, manned and unmanned systems, eVTOL aircraft, as well as missile systems and space rockets/launchers. We offer comprehensive data management solutions for operational aircraft allowing for ISR, Search & Rescue, mission data loading & data transfer and pilot training & debriefing.
Contact Details
Safran Defense & Space, Inc.
3005 Business Park Drive, Norcross, GA 30071, USA
Phone: 770-753-4017
Test & Measurement
