Arianespace Announces Signing of Three Launch Contracts

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Arianespace Announces Signing of Three Launch Contracts

More Information:

Arianespace has contracted with Agrani Satellite Services Ltd. to launch Agrani 2 for launch in 2003 on an Ariane 5. Alcatel Space is manufacturing the 2800 kg (6171 lbm) Spacebus 3000A communication satellite, for an expected design life of 14 years. The satellite will carry 24 C-band and 14 Ku-band transponders. The satellite will be positioned in the 120°E orbital slot. Agrani 2 has been in strorage at Alcatel Space's factory in Cannes since 1997, being originally built as Thaicom 4, under an option to the Thaicom 3 procurement contract with Shinawatra Satellite (now Shin Satellite). The total cost of the Agrani 2 project is estimated at US$236 million (Rs 11.5 billion).

DirecTV Inc. signed with Arianespace for the launch of DirecTV 7S DBS 5500 kg (12,122 lbm) spacecraft, also being manufactured by Space Systems / Loral, using the LS 1300 bus. The 54 Ku-band spacecraft will begin its 15 year design life with 13 kW of power. The spacecraft is to be launched in 2003 on an Ariane 5. The satellite will be positioned at either the 101°W or 119°W orbital slot. No financial details were released.

Shin Satellite PLC has contracted with Arianespace for the launch of its Space Systems / Loral-built 6700 kg (14,767 lbm) iPStar satellite. The 87 Ku-band and 10 Ka-band transponder spacecraft is based on the LS 1300 SX bus. It is expected to have 14 kW of power at the end of its 12 year design life. It is scheduled to launch on an Ariane 5 in 2004. No financial details were disclosed.

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May 13, 2002