McLean, Va., Nov. 9, 2004 — International Launch Services (ILS) and its two
vehicles, Atlas and Proton, ranked as the best in a study of the launch
industry conducted by Futron Corp.
Futron, a decision support consulting firm, polled executives at satellite
operators around the world, whose companies account for more than half of
all the world’s commercial satellite launches. ILS was rated No. 1 overall,
with its Lockheed Martin-built Atlas or Khrunichev-built Proton rocket
ranked first in each category assessed. These categories included overall
reliability, launch operations/schedule assurance, performance flexibility
and customer service.
"We wanted a third-party assessment of what’s important to launch customers,
what criteria they use to determine ‘best value,’" said ILS President Mark
Albrecht. "We’re gratified that our customers have ranked us so well in
every category."
Futron found that customers ranked Atlas No. 1 and Proton No. 2 among all
launch systems. The study confirmed that reliability and schedule assurance
are the most important customer buying criteria, and that Atlas and Proton
are the industry’s two best vehicles in delivering reliable, on-time launch
services.
Albrecht added: "ILS had a fantastic year in 2004, leading the market in
orders as well as number of launches. We’re not content to rest on our
laurels, however, and we’re always looking for ways to serve the customer
better."
Contact: Fran Slimmer, International Launch Services, McLean, Va.;
1-571-633-7462; mobile: 1-646-229-4801; fran.slimmer@lmco.com.
