Evry, France, January 6, 2004 – During the traditional New Year’s press conference, Arianespace Chief Executive Officer Jean-Yves Le Gall announced two new launch contracts from the leading operator in the Asia-Pacific region. These are the 20th and 21st launch contracts for Japanese commercial satellite signed by Arianespace. The contract concerns the JCSAT-9 satellite and another future satellite.
JCSAT-9
JCSAT-9 is the fifth JSAT satellite to book an Arianespace launch. The European launcher has already orbited JCSAT-1 (Flight 29), JCSAT-5 (Flight 103), N-Sat 110 (Flight 133) and JCSAT-8 (Flight 149).
JCSAT-9 is a digital communications satellite that will gradually replace N Star a. Built on the Lockheed Martin’s A2100 AX platform,it will weigh approximately 4,500 kg at launch, and will be positioned at 132 degrees East.
An Ariane 5 launch is scheduled around the end of 2005, from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
A prestigious customer
During the New Year’s press conference, Jean-Yves Le Gall said: “Arianespace, which has been chosen to launch 21 of 29 Japanese commercial satellites, is very proud of its role in developing satellite communications in Japan over the last 17 years. Our company is extremely honored to be chosen by JSAT, a selection that once again reflects this prestigious customer’s confidence in our services.”
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the commercial launch services leader, holding more than 50 percent of the international market for satellites launched to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Created in 1980 as the world’s first commercial space transportation company, Arianespace has signed contracts for the launch of more than 250 satellite payloads. For further information, see the Arianespace Web site at www.arianespace.com.
