Arianespace announced today that global satellite services provider, SES (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), has committed to three new primary launch services using Ariane, under the Multi Launch Agreement (MLA) signed in June 2007.
The commitment covers three new satellites for the SES group, including Astra 3B for SES ASTRA, plus two other satellites which have yet to be identified.
Ranging from 4,400 to 5,800 kg, the three satellites are slated for launch between 2009 and 2012 using Ariane 5 rockets from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.
Commenting on these latest commitments, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said: “With these three new launches, Arianespace continues to deliver launch services that guarantee the capacity and flexibility required by one of the world’s leading satcom operators. I would like to thank the SES group for their continued confidence in us, as reflected by this triple-launch commitment.”
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the world’s leading launch Service & Solutions company, delivering innovative services and solutions to its customers since 1980. Backed by 23 shareholders and the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an unrivalled launcher family, comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned for their culture of excellence. As of October 1, 2008, Arianespace had launched a total of 263 payloads, including more than half of all the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. It has a backlog of nearly 25 Ariane 5 and 10 Soyuz launches, equal to more than 3 years of business. www.arianespace.com
