SES AMERICOM Confirms AMC-14 Satellite Launch Anomaly



    SES AMERICOM, an SES company (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG), today
    confirmed that its AMC-14 satellite failed to reach its intended orbit
    following its launch on board a Russian Proton Breeze-M launch vehicle
    on March 15. An anomaly during the second burn of the fourth stage of
    the rocket resulted in the satellite being placed short of the planned
    geostationary transfer orbit.

    "While we are not in a position to comment on the possible causes
    of this launch anomaly, the satellite is healthy and is operating
    nominally in a stable orbit under the control of Lockheed Martin. SES
    and Lockheed Martin engineers are currently exploring various options
    for bringing AMC-14 into its proper geostationary orbit," said Martin
    Halliwell, President of SES ENGINEERING.

    AMC-14 was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, with
    launch services from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan provided by
    ILS (International Launch Services).

    In all of the various scenarios to redirect the spacecraft,
    onboard fuel will have to be used to propel the satellite to its
    correct orbital position, thereby reducing its service life. SES´
    investment in AMC-14 is insured for partial and total loss.

    The spacecraft is entirely contracted by EchoStar Corporation and
    is intended to operate at the orbital position of 61.5 degrees West.

    "We are confident that the engineering teams at Lockheed Martin
    and SES will find a way to place AMC-14 into the correct orbit in a
    manner that our customer´s requirements can be met," said Edward
    Horowitz, President and CEO of SES AMERICOM. "We cannot, at this time,
    speculate on the impact of the orbit raising activities on both the
    in-service date and the service life of AMC-14. We will provide
    additional information in due time."

    About SES AMERICOM www.ses-americom.com

    As the leading supplier of satellite services in the U.S., SES
    AMERICOM serves broadcasters, cable programmers, aeronautical and
    maritime communications integrators, internet service providers,
    mobile communications networks, government agencies, educational
    institutions, carriers and secure global data networks with efficient
    communications and content distribution solutions. The company,
    recognized as a major innovator of advanced satellite communications
    services, operates a fleet of 15 spacecraft in orbital positions
    predominantly providing service throughout the Americas. In addition,
    AMERICOM Government Services (AGS), a wholly-owned subsidiary, is
    dedicated to providing satellite-based communications solutions to
    both civilian and defense agencies of the U.S. Government.

    SES AMERICOM is an SES company (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG). 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 owns 90
    percent of SES Sirius in Europe and holds strategic participations in
    Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding
    satellite communications solutions via a fleet of 38 satellites in 25
    orbital positions around the globe. Additional information on SES is
    available at: www.ses.com