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Washington DC (SPX) Nov 09, 2006 Arianespace and TerreStar Networks have signed a "Launch on Demand" contract for TerreStar I, which will be the largest commercial communications satellite ever launched into geostationary orbit. "We are very proud of our role in the development of the TerreStar system," said Jean-Yves Le Gall, Arianespace CEO. "Winning a contract from this pioneer in new communications technologies once again underscores the excellent service and solutions offered by Arianespace." The "Launch on Demand" contract between TerreStar and Arianespace, a first in the industry, provides for up to three dedicated launch vehicles and entitles TerreStar to a launch window for TerreStar I, commencing November 2007. The contract includes options for two additional launch vehicles, which TerreStar may assign to affiliates for operations in Europe or elsewhere. TerreStar I will be launched into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Commenting on the signing, Robert H. Brumley, President and CEO said, "We made the strategic decision to execute a firm, fixed-price contract for launch vehicles with Arianespace to avoid preemption by priority customers. Arianespace's success record and professional reputation were the key differentiators that led us to choose them for this critical mission. This partnership will help bring the next evolution in mobile communications to the North American and European markets and is further demonstration of TerreStar's continued commitment to meet its regulatory requirements and business objectives." This is the 277th launch contract won by Arianespace since being founded in March 1980. TerreStar I is currently under construction by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) in Palo Alto, California and will be the 33rd platform built by SS/L to be launched by Arianespace. TerreStar I will offer up to 500 spotbeams and a design life exceeding 15 years. Related Links Arianespace TerreStar Motient Launch Pad at Space-Travel.com
AMC-18 Launch Campaign Begins
Paris, France (SPX) Nov 09, 2006The activity pace is picking up for Arianespace's December heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission as final pre-launch preparations begin with SES AMERICOM's AMC-18 satellite payload. After arriving at the Spaceport, AMC-18 made the traditional fit check today (November 7) with its Ariane 5 payload adapter, which verifies the correct interface between the satellite and the launcher hardware.
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