Small geostationary satellite (artist's impression)

The Small Geostationary Satellite initiative is aimed at the development of a small, European, general-purpose telecommunications satellite platform, capable of supporting a payload mass of up to 300 kg and payload power of 3 kW, and the launch of a satellite mission to provide flight qualification and in orbit demonstration for the platform.

The Small Geostationary Satellite initiative (ARTES-11 programme) is the result of the decision taken by ESA member states in the Council at Ministerial level held in December 2005 to support the development a new European satellite platform product line for small geostationary communication satellites.