SES Signs Contracts
for 10 Satellite Launches With Arianespace and ILS
(18 June 2007) SES, the world's
pre-eminent satellite operator today unveiled new groundbreaking satellite
launch vehicle contracts covering the majority of the satellite launch
requirements for the SES group from the period 2009-2013.
These
"multi-launch agreements" ensure that each SES satellite will have a primary as
well as a back-up launch vehicle, each with two launch slots, providing utmost
planning security and flexibility for the company's ambitious launch
schedule.
To that effect, SES Satellite Leasing Ltd. has signed separate
agreements with launch industry leaders Arianespace and ILS for 5 satellite
launches each. Arianespace will provide Ariane 5 or Soyuz boosters to be
launched out of the European Space Port in Kourou (French Guyana). ILS will
provide Proton Breeze M boosters launching from the Baikonour Cosmodrome in
Kazakhstan. The multi-launch agreements include options for additional
launches, and represent the largest single launch services contract to date
both for Arianespace and ILS. Terms of the contracts remain
confidential.
States Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES: "These
groundbreaking contracts with two renowned industry leaders ensure secured
on-schedule access to space for SES satellites due to the 'full dual slot -
mutual back-up policy' that both Arianespace and ILS have agreed for their
respective launch vehicles. We are confident that with these innovative
agreements in place, the continuous development and replacement of our global
satellite fleet is ensured at attractive terms and conditions for the
foreseeable future, providing SES with an additional competitive
edge."
Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall added: "This is a
major contract that confirms our strategic partnership with SES building upon a
foundation of 26 launches performed for the SES group, and provides clear proof
that Arianespace offers custom-tailored services and innovative solutions that
meet our customers' requirements. I would like to thank SES for their renewed
confidence in us, reflected in this latest contract. Their selection confirms
that Arianespace, with our Ariane 5 and Soyuz launchers, sets the global
standard in space transportation and guaranteed access to space."
"The
real value in this unique multi-buy contract is the flexibility it offers SES,
in terms of matching payloads and launch periods," said Frank McKenna, ILS
President. "We're proud to continue our long-standing partnership with SES,"
McKenna said. "Our relationship goes back to the very beginning of ILS. SES was
the customer for the first commercial launch on Proton back in 1996, and ILS
has launched at least one satellite a year for SES operating companies ever
since. In 2007, we have scheduled launches for SES Americom and SES
Sirius."
About Arianespace
Arianespace has been delivering
innovative launch service and solutions to customers from around the world for
over 25 years. More than two-thirds of all commercial satellites now in service
were launched by Arianespace from Kourou in French Guyana. Utilising Ariane 5,
Soyuz and Vega launch vehicles, Arianespace delivers any mass to any orbit any
time.
About ILS
ILS is a joint venture incorporated in the U.S.
of Space Transport Inc., Khrunichev and RSC Energia. The Proton Breeze M
vehicle, built by ILS partner Khrunichev State Research and Production Space
Center, is Russia's premier heavy-lift launcher. Over more than 40 years of
service, the Proton has launched more than 325 times. ILS has been marketing
the Russian Proton vehicle to commercial satellite operators since 1993, and
has carried out 40 launches.
About SES
SES wholly owns three
market-leading satellite operators, SES Astra in Europe, SES Americom in North
America, and SES New Skies, which provide global coverage and connectivity. The
Company also holds strategic participations in SES Sirius in Europe, Ciel in
Canada and Quetzsat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite
communications solutions via a fleet of 36 satellites in 25 orbital positions
around the globe.
(source: SES)