Arianespace announced today that it has signed a contract with the international satellite operator Intelsat, for the launch of one satellite, with the option to launch four more satellites.
With this latest contract, covering the launch of one satellite, with the option to launch four more satellites between 2011 and 2015, Arianespace’s launch Service & Solutions give the international satellite operator Intelsat unrivalled launch capacity and flexibility.
Arianespace’s Ariane 5 and Soyuz launchers offer proven reliability, performance and availability. The launch operator will call on this family to deploy innovative launch solutions to meet the launch requirements of Intelsat’s upcoming satellites, ranging in size from 3,000 to 6,100 kg.
Commenting on this latest contract, Arianespace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Yves Le Gall said: “We are very proud to have launched 48 satellites for Intelsat in the last three decades, and we are extremely honored to continue this partnership with the contract signed today. Through this new contract, Arianespace clearly shows its ability to offer Intelsat custom-tailored launch services and solutions that meet its need for flexibility.”
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 30 December 2008, Arianespace had launched a total of 265 payloads, including more than half of all the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. It has a backlog of more than 20 Ariane 5 and 10 Soyuz launches, equal to 3 years of business. www.arianespace.com
