NTELSAT signed a contract with Arianespace today for the launch of three more telecommunications satellites, extending a long relationship that dates back to the 1980s when INTELSAT became Arianespace’s first customer.
 
The contract for INTELSAT’s 905, 906 and 907 spacecraft was signed in Washington, D.C., by Conny Kullman, Director General and CEO of INTELSAT and Jean-Marie Luton, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace. These three new INTELSAT IX launch services are in addition to three INTELSAT IX launch services which were ordered by INTELSAT in December 1997. Six of seven INTELSAT IX spacecraft are scheduled to be launched from mid-2001 through the end of 2002 using Ariane 4 or 5 launch vehicles from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana."
 
In their over 20-year relationship, Arianespace has successfully launched 16 satellites for INTELSAT.
 
"INTELSAT is well known for its rigorous selection process," noted Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Marie Luton. "Its latest selection of Arianespace further confirms the quality of our launch service. More than ever, we can deliver reliable launchers, operational flexibility and launch service availability to our long-standing partner.
 
"Furthermore, the outstanding launch record of the Ariane 4 combined with the operational success of Ariane 5 – the first new-generation heavy launcher to be flight qualified for commercial service – means that Arianespace is fully capable of meeting INTELSAT’s current and future requirements."
 
Built by Space Systems/Loral in Palo Alto, California, the INTELSAT 905, 906 and 907 satellites will have a liftoff mass of approximately 4,700 kilograms each. They will be positioned over the Atlantic Ocean, further bolstering INTELSAT ‘s range of C and Ku-band capacity for transmission of Internet, video, voice, data and corporate network services.
 
 
19 contracts since January 1st
Since January 1, 2000, Arianespace has signed contracts for the launch of 19 payloads, including 10 communications satellites – further consolidating its position as the world’s premier provider of launch services.
 
Arianespace’s backlog now stands at 49 launch contracts (40 satellites, plus 9 ATV missions for the International Space Station). Since its creation in 1980, Arianespace has booked a total of 225 launch contracts.