The SES-3 satellite, the third in SES's multi-satellite procurement agreement with Orbital Sciences, will mark the 5th SES mission for ILS/Proton in 2010-11. SES-3 is intended to replace existing spacecraft over the Americas.

The mission for the launch of SES-3 with Proton will be to insert the three-ton satellite into geostationary transfer orbit. This agreement for the shared launch of SES-3 further demonstrates Proton's capability to launch multiple spacecraft. In February of last year, Proton successfully launched the dual Express satellite mission with the Express-AM44 and Express MD1 satellites.

The Proton vehicle is Russia's premier heavy lift launcher and is built by Khrunichev, the majority owner of ILS and one of the pillars of the Russian space industry. Proton has a long heritage with over 350 launches performed since its maiden flight in 1965.

Frank McKenna, President of ILS said, "ILS and SES have partnered in many industry firsts, including the first commercial Proton launch and the unique Multi-Launch Agreement to ensure access to space. This contract is another milestone with SES with the shared launch of the SES-3 satellite on ILS Proton.

"This shared launch provides an alternative launch option that previously did not exist in the commercial launch market. We are pleased that we could deliver significant value for SES with a cost-effective solution to meet their specific business needs."

"Since our first launch on an ILS Proton, SES has counted on ILS to provide access to space," said Martin Halliwell, President of SES Engineering.

"ILS and Khrunichev have always supported the ongoing growth and success of our business. With the development of this shared launch capability, ILS Proton has provided a real value alternative to meet our requirements for the launch of SES-3, and will allow us to continue on our course of expansion of our global fleet and our business."

ILS has exclusive rights to market the Proton vehicle and is a U.S. company headquartered in Reston, Va., near Washington, D.C. Khrunichev, which holds the majority interest in ILS, is one of the cornerstones of the Russian space industry. Khrunichev manufactures the Proton system and is developing the Angara launch system.

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