Arianespace, Sea Launch, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to review the recent successes of the Launch Services Alliance, announce new developments for Alliance

Where:             Room 209C Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place, NW, Washington D.C. 20001

When:              3:30pm-4:30pm, March 22, 2005

Contact:           Aaron Lewis 202-628-3936

Within 17 days during the month of February, the Launch Services Alliance demonstrated in rapid succession its unparalleled mission assurance capabilities.  During that period, Launch Services Alliance members Arianespace, Sea Launch, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) had successful liftoffs with their flagship launch vehicles.  It began February 12th with the Ariane 5 ECA making an impeccable return to flight, injecting its cargo, the XTAR-EUR satellite into a highly accurate orbit.  MHI’s H II A rocket had a perfect ride on February 26th, flawlessly delivering its satellite passenger to orbit.  Two days later, Sea Launch lofted the XM-3 satellite into orbit on its Zenit-3L launch vehicle.

For the first time the top managers of the Launch Services Alliance will appear together at a press conference to discuss the market implications of the Launch Services Alliance’s proven reliability.   Speaking at the press conference will be Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall, Sea Launch President and General Director Jim Maser, and Mr. Shoichiro Asada, Director, of the H-IIA Launch Services Office of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.  The partners will also announce a new development involving the Launch Services Alliance.

The Launch Services Alliance partners

Created in 1980, Arianespace is the world’s first commercial space transportation company. Arianespace has signed contracts for the launch of more than 260 satellite payloads. Website: www.arianespace.com.

Sea Launch Company, LLC, is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and marketed through Boeing Launch Services. Website: www.sea-launch.com .

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. is Japan’s leading aerospace company with responsibility for the manufacture, sale and launch of the highly successful H-IIA launch vehicle. Web site: www.mhi.co.jp.