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Arianespace Winning Launch Contracts From Across The World
Le Bourget, France (SPX) Jun 21, 2007 Arianespace and Thales Alenia Space have announced the signature of a launch Service and Solutions contract for the first pan-African communications satellite, Rascom 1. Rascom 1 is scheduled for a launch into geostationary transfer orbit in the last quarter of 2007. It will be launched by an Ariane 5 from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Rascom 1, built by Thales Alenia Space as part of a turnkey contract with the Regional African Satellite Communication Organization (RascomStar-QAF), will provide during 15 years telecommunication services in rural areas of Africa, as well as domestic and international connections, direct TV broadcast services and Internet access. Based on a Spacebus 4000B3 platform, Rascom 1 is equipped with 12 Ku-band transponders and eight C-band transponders. It will weigh about 3,200 kg at launch, will have a 6.4 kW power and will be positioned at 2.85 degrees East. In the scope of the Rascom program, Thales Alenia Space supplies both the in-orbit satellite delivery and its associated ground infrastructure including the elements related to operations and control segment. Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space comments: "We are very proud of participating in this program that will contribute to bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas and to insuring economical development in Africa. This ambitious project is a natural fit with our businesses since we believe that everybody should enjoy access to the resources needed to communicate. This contract highlights the successful cooperation between Thales Alenia Space and Arianespace as four Spacebus satellites will be launched from Kourou in the next months." "We are very honored by RascomStar-QAF and Thales Alenia Space's confidence in us," said Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace. "Their selection reflects the excellence of Arianespace's launch Service and Solutions. With Rascom 1, RascomStar-QAF will be able to offer a full range of dedicated telecommunications services for the entire African continent."
earlier related report
Arianespace to launch THOR 6 for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting THOR 6 will be launched into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) in the middle of 2009, by an Ariane 5 or Soyuz launcher from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This is Arianespace's first contract with Telenor Satellite Broadcasting AS, a subsidiary of the Norwegian mobile operator, Telenor. Built by Thales Alenia Space, THOR 6 will weigh about 3,000 kg at launch. It is based on the Spacebus 4000B2 platform and is fitted with 36 Ku-band transponders. Positioned at 1 degree West, it will provide direct-to-home (DTH) television services for the Nordic countries and Central Europe. It's design life is about 15 years. "We have chosen Arianespace for the launch of THOR 6 as they have demonstrated the right combination of reliability, performance and value", said David Gilmore, Deputy CEO of Telenor Satellite Broadcasting. "THOR 6 is our final satellite in our replacement programme, providing Telenor Satellite Broadcasting with the essential satellite capacity for organic growth and new expansion opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe". Commenting on this latest contract, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said: "We are very honoured to have earned the trust of Telenor, as reflected in this first contract. Their choice is clear recognition of the excellent launch Service and Solutions offered by Arianespace." Related Links Arianespace Regional African Satellite Communication Organization Launch Pad at Space-Travel.com
2006 Bumper Year For Satellite Launcher Arianespace
Le Bourget (AFP) France, June 19, 2007The European satellite launcher Arianespace on Tuesday said 2006 was a bumper year, leaving it with the biggest backlog of orders in an increasingly competitive industry. "In 2006, Arianespace successfully launched five Ariane 5 ECAs, placing 10 communications satellites and one technology experiment into geostationary transfer orbit," it said. |
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