Arianespace announced today that it will launch the AMC-21 telecommunications satellite. AMC-21 is the 26th satellite entrusted to Arianespace by a member of the SES family of companies (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), one of the world’s leading satellite operators. The launch of AMC-21 is scheduled for the 2nd quarter of 2008 on an Ariane 5 vehicle from Europe’s Spaceport at the Space Center in French Guiana.
AMC-21, under construction by Alcatel Alenia Space, will have a liftoff mass of approximately 2500 kg. The satellite is based on Orbital Science’s Star-2 satellite bus, and will provide high-powered satellite services with its payload of 24 active Ku-band transponders.
The AMC-21 satellite, which will be operated by SES AMERICOM, is designed for a minimum operational lifetime of 15 years, and will offer television and enterprise distribution services across the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America from the orbital position of 125 degrees West.
Edward Horowitz, President and CEO of SES AMERICOM, said, “We appreciate that Arianespace has incorporated AMC-21 into their first half 2008 manifest, as there is a high degree of demand for Ku-band capability in North America.” He continued, “AMC-21 is an important component in our spectrum of service offerings; it is designed to meet the growth demands of our media, enterprise and new services customers.”
Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said, “We are extremely gratified to be chosen again by SES to launch one of their satellites, and advance their coverage of the Americas. It is appropriate that the contract for AMC-21 follows on the heels of Arianespace’s recent successful launch of another SES satellite, AMC-18.”
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the commercial launch services leader, holding more than 50 percent of the international market for satellites launched to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Created in 1980 as the world’s first commercial space transportation company, Arianespace has signed contracts for the launch of more than 275 satellite payloads. For further information, see the Arianespace Web site at http://www.arianespace.com.
About SES AMERICOM
The largest supplier of satellite services in the Americas, SES AMERICOM, Inc. is recognized as a pioneer of global satellite communications services. Established in 1973 with its first satellite circuit for the U.S. Department of Defense, the company currently operates a fleet of 16 spacecraft in orbital positions predominantly providing service throughout the Americas. As a member of the SES family, SES AMERICOM is able to provide end-to-end telecommunications solutions to any region in the world. With its combined operations, SES AMERICOM serves broadcasters, cable programmers, aeronautical and maritime communications integrators, Internet service providers, mobile communications networks, government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and secure global data networks with efficient communication and content distribution solutions.
