Avanti Communications Group plc, has chosen Arianespace to launch the HYLAS telecommunications satellite. This new contract is the 11th signed by Arianespace with the major satellite operators.
The launch of the HYLAS satellite is planned for the first half of 2010, using an Ariane 5 or Soyuz launcher from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
HYLAS is the first satellite entrusted to Arianespace by Avanti Communications, the new European satellite operator. Avanti Communications is Arianespace’s 31st new customer.
HYLAS has been built by the industrial consortium grouping EADS Astrium and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) using an ISRO I-2K platform. Positioned at 33,5 degrees West, this powerful Ka band satellite will be Europe’s first superfast broadband satellite, serving customers all over Europe. The satellite will weigh about 2,750 kg at launch, and has a design life exceeding 15 years.
“We have chosen Arianespace for the launch of HYLAS as they have demonstrated the right combination of reliability, value and performance”, said David Williams, Chief Executive of Avanti Communications Group plc. “Their track record is the best guarantee of success. HYLAS, once in orbit will begin a new era in broadband services for the people of Europe and so a reliable and successful launch is of huge importance.”
Commenting on this latest contract, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said: “Arianespace is proud of this opportunity to serve a new satellite operator and I would like to thank Avanti Communications for its choice. This new contract, the 11th signed in 2009 and the 2nd in the United Kingdom, is clear recognition of the quality and competiveness of our launch Service and Solutions offer.”
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the world’s leading launch Service & Solutions company, delivering innovative offer to its customers since 1980. Backed by its 23 shareholders and the European Space Agency, Arianespace proposes an unrivalled launcher family, comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned for their culture of commitment and excellence. As of 01 July 2009, Arianespace had launched a total of 270 payloads, including more than half of all the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. It has a backlog of 25 Ariane 5 and 10 Soyuz launches, equal to 3 years of business. www.arianespace.com
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Aaron Lewis
Director of Media and Government Relations
Arianespace, Inc.
601 13th Street NW
Suite 710 North
Washington, DC 20005
ph:202-628-3936
fax:202-628-3949
www.arianespace.com
