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Lockheed Martin to Build 3 GE Americom Satellites

More Information:

Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) was awarded a contract to build three A2100 geosynchronous satellites for GE American Communications, Inc. (GE Americom). The next generation cable television satellites, designated GE-10, GE-11, and GE-18, will provide distribution of premium cable programming across North America. GE-10 and GE-11 are scheduled for launch in 2004. Financial details were not disclosed.

The spacecraft will carry twenty-four, 36 MHz C-band transponders and be used to provide cable television services to the 50 United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. GE-10 will replace GE Satcom C-4 and GE-11 will replace GE Satcom C-3, which currently operate from their orbital locations at 135°W and 131°W, respectively. GE-18 is being developed as a ground spare that could operate from either 131°W or 135°W. The expected launch mass will be around 1,800 kg (3967 lbm) each

The A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft is designed to serve a wide variety of telecommunications needs ranging from Ka band/Broadband services, fixed satellite services in a hybrid Ku- and C-band payload configuration, to high-power direct broadcast services using the Ku-band frequency spectrum. The A2100's modular design features a reduction in parts, simplifying construction, increasing on-orbit reliability and reducing weight and cost. The A2100 bus is produced entirely from composite materials.

GE Americom provides telecommunications services world-wide through a fleet of 20 satellites. On March 28, 2001, GE Capital announced with Societe Europeenne des Satellites that they plan to combine the assets of GE Americom and SES ASTRA to form a new premier global satellite company, SES Global. The new company will have a fleet of 29 satellites and be able to deliver broadband satellites services to more than 90% of the world's population. In addition, SES Global's strategic partnerships and participations in AsiaSat, NSAB, Star One, Americom Asia-Pacific and Nahuelsat will combine to give entertainment, Internet, news and enterprise customers access to a fleet of 42 satellites. When the transaction is finalized, GE Capital will hold a 25.1% economic interest and 20.1% voting interest in SES Global S.A.

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September 10, 2001