SES, the world's pre-eminent satellite operator (Paris:SESG)
(LuxX:SESG) 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 AE
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. Utilizing Ariane
5, Soyuz and Vega launch vehicles, Arianespace delivers any mass to
any orbit any time. Additional information at www.arianespace.com
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. For more information,
visit www.ilslaunch.com.
About SES
SES (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) 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. Additional
information on SES is available at: www.ses.com