Arianespace

ARIANESPACE MARKS 31ST CONSECUTIVE MISSION SUCCESS FOR ARIANE 5

June 29, 2009

Ariane 5 successfully lofted the world's largest commercial satellite, TerreStar-1, from the Spaceport in French Guiana today - marking another record-setting flight for this workhorse Arianespace vehicle. Lifting off from the ELA-3 launch zone, the Ariane 5 deployed TerreStar-1 into geostationary transfer orbit 26 minutes later.

ARIANE 5 TRANSFERRED TO LAUNCH ZONE IN PREPARATION FOR TOMORROW'S LIFTOFF

June 29, 2009

Fully integrated with its TerreStar-1 payload, Ariane 5 is ready for liftoff from Europe's Spaceport following its rollout to the ELA-3 launch facility from the Final Assembly Building this morning. Arianespace's mission will be the company's third flight of the heavy-lift vehicle in 2009, with a total of seven launches planned during the year.

ARIANE 5 IS AUTHORIZED FOR LAUNCH WITH TERRESTAR-1

June 29, 2009

Arianespace's third heavy-lift Ariane 5 mission of 2009 has been cleared for its July 1 liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana. The go-ahead was given following today's launch readiness review - which validated the status of Ariane 5, its TerreStar-1 payload, the launch infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport, and the network of downrange tracking stations.

ARIANE 5 NOW COMPLETE FOR ARIANESPACE'S UPCOMING MISSION

June 25, 2009

With the installation of Ariane 5's payload fairing over the TerreStar-1 payload, integration of the heavy-lift launcher is now complete for its July 1 mission from Europe's Spaceport. Launch teams have since been validating the vehicle's final configuration in preparation for its launch pad rollout on June 30.

VEGA LAUNCH SITE COMPLETES INITIAL PREPARATION PHASE

June 25, 2009

The Spaceport's ELA-1 facility - where Arianespace's lightweight Vega will be operated - is now ready for integration and qualification tests. These activities are scheduled to begin this summer at the refurbished site, which was previously used between 1979 and 1989 for missions with the Ariane 1 and 3 launcher versions.

TERRESTAR-1 SPACECRAFT TAKES ONE STEP CLOSER TO LIFTOFF

June 22, 2009

Ariane 5 has received its TerreStar-1 payload in preparation for the heavy-lift launcher's July 1 mission from Europe's Spaceport. The Space Systems/Loral-built satellite will provide coverage over the U.S. and Canada - offering voice, data and video communications to satellite/terrestrial mobile devices the size of a typical smart phone.

ASSEMBLY MILESTONE FOR FOURTH ARIANE 5 OF 2009

June 22, 2009

The fourth Ariane 5 for launch by Arianespace in 2009 has completed its initial build-up inside the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building. Industrial prime contractor EADS Astrium topped off the vehicle with Ariane 5's upper composite - which consists of the ESC-A cryogenic upper stage and equipment bay.

TERRESTAR-1 READIES FOR JULY 1 MISSION ABOARD ARIANE 5

June 22, 2009

TerreStar-1 has been mated to the cone-shaped adapter unit that will serve as the interface with its Ariane 5 ECA in preparation for Arianespace's third mission of the year. The next step for this payload - the world's largest civilian telecommunications satellite - is its transfer to the Ariane 5 Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport.

TERRESTAR-1 SATELLITE IS FUELED FOR ARIANESPACE�S JULY 1 HEAVY-LIFT MISSION

June 19, 2009

Ariane 5's TerreStar-1 passenger has been loaded with its propellant in the S5A fueling and integration hall at Europe's Spaceport. This Space Systems/Loral-built spacecraft - which is to be the largest commercial telecommunications satellite ever launched - will provide critical services for government, emergency responders, rural communities and commercial users.

LAUNCH SITE READIES FOR INTRODUCTION OF VEGA

June 19, 2009

Initial preparations have been completed at the Spaceport's ELA-1 launch site, which has been refurbished and updated for missions with the new lightweight Vega. This activity includes upgrading and resurfacing the concrete launch pad, installing a new purpose-built mobile gantry, refurbishing the support infrastructure and connecting the site's various supply lines.

ARIANESPACE ON TRACK FOR ANOTHER RECORD YEAR

June 16, 2009

Speaking to international reporters at the company's Paris Air Show press conference, Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall highlighted Ariane 5's sustained mission pace in 2009, as well as continued preparations to introduce Soyuz and Vega at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. Demonstrating Arianespace's strong market position, two upcoming Ariane 5 missions to launch telecommunications satellites also were announced at the biennial event - ST-2 for Singapore and Taiwan in 2011 and ABS-2 for Hong Kong operator Asia Broadcast Satellite in 2012.

ARIANESPACE CHOSEN TO LAUNCH FIRST GALILEO SATELLITES

June 15, 2009

Arianespace has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) at the 2009 Paris Air Show to launch the first operational Galileo navigation satellites. Two Soyuz medium-lift vehicles are scheduled to loft the four spacecraft in pairs from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana beginning in the second half of 2010. On a busy first day at the biennial air show event, Arianespace also entered into contracts with RUAG Aerospace for a series of payload adapters; and with Oerlikon Space AG for payload fairings - all to be used on the 35 Ariane 5 launchers for the upcoming PB batch ordered by Arianespace. The company signed a framework contract as well with ESA concerning the procurement of launch services for future ESA missions.

ARIANESPACE AT THE 2009 PARIS AIR SHOW

June 12, 2009

Arianespace will have a high-profile presence at this year's Paris Air Show on June 15-21, with a special focus on the company's growing family of launch vehicles. As part of its participation at the biennial event, Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall will hold a press conference with members of the international news media.

BUILD-UP PROCESS BEGINS FOR THE FOURTH ARIANE 5 OF 2009

June 12, 2009

A new Ariane 5 began taking shape in the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building this week with the erection of its cryogenic core stage, which was then moved into position over one of two operational mobile launch tables for the heavy-lift vehicle. In parallel, another Ariane 5 ECA is in the Final Assembly Building, where it is awaiting the integration of its TerreStar-1 payload. This spacecraft - which will be operated by TerreStar Networks Inc. - is to be the largest commercial telecommunications satellite ever launched.

THE HEAVY-LIFT ARIANE 5 IS READIED FOR ITS TERRESTAR-1 PAYLOAD

June 3, 2009

Arianespace has received the heavy-lift Ariane 5 for its upcoming mission with the world's largest commercial telecommunications satellite to be launched - TerreStar-1. This vehicle was delivered to the Final Assembly Building today, where preparations will begin for the late June liftoff on Arianespace's third flight of 2009

HERSCHEL PROVIDES VIEW OF SYLDA 5 DEPLOYMENT ON MAY 14 MISSION

May 26, 2009

Herschel's Visual Monitoring Camera captured a unique series of in-flight photos of the SYLDA 5 payload dispenser's jettison during Ariane 5's latest mission success. The images - which are part of an animated sequence created by the European Space Agency - were taken at an altitude of more than 1,000 km. above Africa.

ARIANESPACE CHOSEN TO LAUNCH THE ALPHASAT I-XL COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE

May 20, 2009

Arianespace's eighth Service & Solutions contract of 2009 was signed to loft the new Alphasat I-XL communications satellite, to be used by British operator Inmarsat. Ariane 5 is scheduled to launch the satellite - which will provide advanced mobile voice and data communications services across Europe, Africa and the Middle East - from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana in 2012. This contract follows a partnership agreement between Inmarsat and the European Space Agency (ESA) concerning the commercialization of the first mission to use the new European platform, Alphabus.

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY VISITS FRENCH GUIANA

May 19, 2009

On a visit to French Guiana last week to witness the successful launch of his agency's Herschel and Planck spacecraft, European Space Agency Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain was updated on preparations for the upcoming introduction of the medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega at the Spaceport. Dordain also toured the new launch facilities for both vehicles, accompanied by Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall.

PRE-LAUNCH PROCESSING BEGINS FOR TERRESTAR-1 AT THE SPACEPORT

May 19, 2009

TerreStar-1 has begun pre-launch processing at the Spaceport in French Guiana for its upcoming mission on Ariane 5. The largest commercial telecommunications satellite ever to be launched has already undergone a fit-check with the adapter that will serve as its interface with the Ariane 5.

TERRESTAR-1 ARRIVES IN FRENCH GUIANA FOR ITS LATE JUNE LIFTOFF

May 18, 2009

The payload for Ariane 5's third launch of 2009 has landed in French Guiana, arriving aboard an An-124 cargo aircraft from its U.S. production site in Palo Alto, California. TerreStar-1 - the world's largest commercial satellite ever to be launched - will be lofted on a dedicated Ariane 5.

ARIANESPACE MARKS ANOTHER SUCCESS FOR ARIANE 5

May 14, 2009

Arianespace completed its second Ariane 5 flight of 2009 this morning, placing the Herschel space telescope and the Planck observatory on their way to deep space missions that will help unlock some of the universe's mysteries. This 44th mission for Ariane 5 - the first with payloads destined for the Sun-Earth system's second Lagrange point - is the 30th consecutive success for the heavy-lift launch vehicle.

ARIANE 5 MOVES TO THE LAUNCH ZONE IN PREPARATION FOR TOMORROW'S LIFTOFF

May 13, 2009

Fully integrated with its dual space science payload of Herschel and Planck, Ariane 5 rolled out of its final assembly building this morning and was secured in place on the ELA-3 launch zone at Europe's Spaceport. The heavy-lift vehicle's second mission of 2009 is now ready for final pre-launch preparations and countdown to a rare morning liftoff tomorrow, May 14 at 10:12 a.m. (local time in French Guiana).

LAUNCH READINESS FOR MILESTONE ARIANE 5 MISSION IS VALIDATED

May 12, 2009

Ariane 5's deep space science mission has been given the green light for liftoff after a successful launch readiness review of the heavy-lift vehicle, its Herschel and Planck payloads, the Spaceport's infrastructure and the network of downrange tracking stations. This validation clears the way for tomorrow's rollout of the vehicle from its final assembly building to the ELA-3 launch zone.

INTEGRATION OF ARIANE 5 IS COMPLETED FOR ARIANESPACE'S SECOND MISSION OF 2009

May 11, 2009

The second Ariane 5 for launch this year is now complete following installation of its payload fairing over the May 14 mission's passengers, Herschel and Planck. This milestone clears the way for final preparation and arming of the launch vehicle, which will be followed by Ariane 5's roll-out to the launch pad on May 13.

SECOND PASSENGER INTEGRATED ON ARIANE 5 FOR MAY 14 SPACE SCIENCE MISSION

May 4, 2009

The Herschel space telescope has joined its Planck observatory co-passenger on Ariane 5 at Europe's Spaceport. Preparations for the heavy-lift vehicle's May 14 launch from French Guiana now enter their final phase, which includes a "top-up" of liquid helium in Herschel's cryostat cooling system.

ARIANESPACE'S CHAIRMAN & CEO SPEAKS OUT IN "SPACE NEWS"

April 30, 2009

In an editorial published by space industry newspaper Space News, Jean-Yves Le Gall responds to satellite operators' pressure on prices, as well as the push for new entrants to the launch services industry. In addition, Le Gall details Arianespace's efforts to assure quality and bolster capacity within the launch sector.

SOYUZ' NEW OPERATING SITE CONTINUES TO TAKE SHAPE

April 30, 2009

A photo report details the latest preparations for Soyuz' new operating base at the Spaceport in French Guiana. Now included in the launch site's ground infrastructure is the Soyuz transporter/erector, which will deliver assembled vehicles from their assembly building to the launch pad - where the payloads will be integrated.

INTEGRATION MILESTONE FOR ARIANE 5'S LAUNCH WITH HERSCHEL AND PLANCK

April 29, 2009

Ariane 5's lower passenger for its second mission of 2009 - the Planck space observatory - has been encapsulated in the SYLDA dispenser system, which allows the heavy-lift launcher to carry its dual space science payload. Planck will be joined on this upcoming flight from Europe's Spaceport by Herschel, which is the largest space telescope ever launched.

LAUNCH DATE SET FOR ARIANE 5 FLIGHT WITH HERSCHEL AND PLANCK

April 28, 2009

The second Ariane 5 mission of 2009 is set for a May 14 liftoff, following additional checks on the heavy-lift launch vehicle. This flight will carry the Herschel telescope and Planck observatory - two European Space Agency-developed space science payloads that are designed to study the universe's origins.

FINAL PAYLOAD INTEGRATION BEGINS FOR ARIANE 5'S UPCOMING FLIGHT

April 24, 2009

The Planck space observatory has been installed atop Ariane 5's core stage as preparations for the second Arianespace mission of 2009 enter their final phase. Planck is riding in the lower position of the launcher's dual payload "stack," and will be situated below the Herschel space telescope - which is to be integrated next on Ariane 5.

LAUNCH INFRASTRUCTURE INSTALLED FOR SOYUZ AT EUROPE'S SPACEPORT

April 23, 2009

The Soyuz launch site in French Guiana received its "muscle" with the mounting of a system of four primary support arms and two umbilical masts for the medium-lift vehicle. This installation marked another important step in preparations for the introduction of Soyuz - which will join the heavy-lift Ariane 5 and future lightweight Vega - at its new Spaceport operating base.

HERSCHEL SPACE TELESCOPE "CHILLS OUT" FOR ITS UPCOMING ARIANE 5 SPACE SCIENCE MISSION

April 22, 2009

The cryostat of the Herschel space telescope was loaded with liquid helium in preparation for its upcoming launch on Ariane 5. This high-tech cooling system will keep the temperature of Herschel's scientific instrument detectors at absolute zero, which will help the payload gather data on the formation of stars and galaxies.

HERSCHEL-PLANCK LAUNCH POSTPONED SEVERAL DAYS

April 20, 2009

Due to an anomaly discovered during tests on a subassembly identical to one on the Ariane 5 launcher, Arianespace has decided to carry out additional checks, which will take several days. A new launch date will be announced shortly.

HIGHLIGHTING A 20-YEAR RELATIONSHIP WITH JAPAN

April 16, 2009

Arianespace's yearly Japan Week event included the announcement of SKY Perfect JSAT's launch services contract for the JCSAT-13 satellite.� This was the 27th order won by Arianespace out of 36 Japanese commercial contracts open to competition.

ARIANESPACE SELECTED TO LAUNCH SKY PERFECT JSAT CORPORATION'S JCSAT-13 COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE

April 16, 2009

Arianespace's seventh Service & Solutions contract of 2009 was signed with Japanese operator SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation to loft the new JCSAT-13 communications satellite. Ariane 5 is scheduled to launch the satellite - which will provide broadcasting and telecommunications services for Japan and the Asia-Pacific region - from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana in 2013.

THE DUAL-SATELLITE PAYLOAD FOR ARIANE 5'S UPCOMING FLIGHT ENTERS FINAL PREPARATIONS

April 16, 2009

The Herschel space telescope and Planck observatory have now been fueled at the Spaceport, and are being readied for integration in Ariane 5's payload "stack." Both spacecraft were developed in programs managed by the European Space Agency, which is Arianespace's customer for this May 6 flight.

ARIANESPACE AWARDED LAUNCH CONTRACT FOR NEW DAWN SATELLITE

April 14, 2009

Arianespace has signed an agreement to orbit the Intelsat New Dawn satellite for New Dawn Satellite Company Ltd. - a joint venture between Intelsat and a South African investor group led by Convergence Partners. New Dawn's launch from the Spaceport in French Guiana is planned for the end of 2010, using an Ariane 5 or Soyuz vehicle.

ARIANESPACE SUSTAINS MISSION PACE AS FRENCH GUIANA WELCOMES ANOTHER ARIANE 5

April 10, 2009

Components for the fourth Ariane 5 slated to launch in 2009 arrived in French Guiana this week aboard the MN Toucan transport ship. The launcher elements were then transferred by road to the Spaceport, where they will be positioned for Arianespace's upcoming mission.

HERSCHEL IS FUELED FOR ARIANESPACE'S SECOND HEAVY-LIFT FLIGHT OF 2009

April 9, 2009

The Herschel space telescope is undergoing its fueling process at the Spaceport in French Guiana in preparation for Ariane 5's May 6 launch. Both Herschel and the Planck co-passenger were developed in programs managed by the European Space Agency, which is Arianespace's customer for this flight.

ARIANE 5'S LIFTOFF IS SET FOR MAY 6 WITH HERSCHEL AND PLANCK

April 8, 2009

The completion of flightworthiness checks on the Herschel space telescope payload has enabled Arianespace to set May 6 as the date for its next Ariane 5 mission. This flight will carry Herschel and Planck - two European Space Agency-developed space science payloads that are designed to study the universe's origins.

ARIANESPACE ANNOUNCES 2008 RESULTS

April 8, 2009

Arianespace confirmed its world leadership in launch services at the company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, announcing 2008 sales of 955.7 million euros, with net income of 2.5 million euros. Arianespace won 13 of the 18 launch contracts open to competition last year, and has successfully performed one Ariane 5 mission and signed five new launch contracts in 2009.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINAL LAUNCH DATE FOR ARIANE 5 SPACE SCIENCE MISSION POSTPONED

April 2, 2009

The launch date for Ariane 5's mission with Herschel and Planck is under review as verifications of the European space science payloads are being continued. Engineers are awaiting the new date - to be announced shortly - in order to resume final preparations for the mission.

ARIANESPACE EMPHASIZES THE PRICE OF QUALITY AT SATELLITE 2009 CONFERENCE

March 24, 2009

Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall underscored the importance of reliable, quality launch services at this week's Satellite 2009 conference in Washington, D.C. Expressing overall confidence about the industry's future, Le Gall also addressed issues such as new market entrants and space-lift capacity.

ARIANESPACE ANNOUNCES MANAGEMENT TEAM CHANGES

March 24, 2009

Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall today announced three appointments to the corporate management team following an Arianespace Board of Directors meeting in Evry, France. These changes will take effect on April 15, 2009.

BUILD UP ACTIVITY BEGINS FOR A NEW ARIANE 5

March 17, 2009

Assembly of the latest Ariane 5 is underway at French Guiana in preparation for a mission to orbit TerreStar-I, the world�s largest and most powerful telecommunications satellite. TerreStar-I is a mobile services satellite currently entering its final integration and testing phase with U.S. spacecraft manufacturer Space Systems/Loral.

NEXT ARIANE 5 LAUNCH DELAYED AT CUSTOMER�S REQUEST

March 13, 2009

Arianespace and the European Space Agency have agreed to postpone the upcoming Ariane 5 mission with Herschel and Plank, allowing time for additional checks on the ground segment of these space science payloads. A new launch date is expected to be announced at the end of March.

ARIANESPACE TAKES DELIVERY OF ITS SECOND ARIANE 5 FOR LAUNCH IN 2009

March 10, 2009

Ariane 5 is ready for integration of the Herschel space telescope and Planck observatory following the heavy-lift vehicle's handover to Arianespace yesterday. The two spacecraft - to be lofted by Ariane 5 during its upcoming April 16 mission - will yield new data on the universe's birth and the formation of stars.

ARIANE 5 AND ARIANESPACE ARE CHRONICLED IN A DOCUMENTARY SCREENED AT THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

March 6, 2009

Arianespace and its Ariane 5 mission have a featured role in "Art & Copy," a documentary about the advertising industry that was screened to positive notices at the world's premier showcase for independent films - the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. As part of the production, Arianespace's Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall provided insights on the company's commercial launches, which was compared to the intense efforts that go into the creation of an advertising campaign.

THE THIRD ARIANE 5 IS DELIVERED TO FRENCH GUIANA FOR LAUNCH IN 2009

March 5, 2009

Arianespace is maintaining its Ariane 5 mission pace as the third heavy-lift vehicle slated for launch in 2009 arrived at the Spaceport in French Guiana yesterday. TerreStar-1, one of the world's largest commercial satellites, is the Ariane 5's dedicated payload on this upcoming mission.

PLANCK IS EQUIPPED FOR ITS APRIL LIFTOFF ON ARIANE 5

March 2, 2009

A photo report from the Spaceport in French Guiana details current integration and checkout preparations with Europe's Planck observatory, which will explore relic radiation from the Big Bang after its April 16 launch by Ariane 5. Planck will be lofted with the Herschel space telescope on Arianespace's second Ariane 5 mission of this year.

THE PLANCK OBSERVATORY ARRIVES IN FRENCH GUIANA

February 20, 2009

The two passengers for Arianespace's April 16 mission are now at the Spaceport, following Planck's arrival in French Guiana aboard a chartered An-124 cargo jetliner and subsequent transfer to the S1B clean room. Planck will be joined by Europe's Herschel space telescope during the second Ariane 5 flight of 2009.

THE VEGA MOBILE GANTRY COMPLETES ITS INITIAL ROLLOUT TEST

February 20, 2009

Preparations for Vega's service introduction are progressing in French Guiana, where the initial mobile gantry rollout test has been performed at the Spaceport's refurbished ELA-1 launch site. The ELA-1 facility previously was used for Ariane 1 and 3 vehicles, and is being upgraded and updated to meet Vega's operational requirements.

THE SOYUZ LAUNCH SITE REACHES CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE

February 19, 2009

The Russian-developed launch system for Soyuz' new base of operations in French Guiana is now being installed at the Spaceport. This activity began with placement of the multi-segment "support crown" on the site's concrete launch pad, followed by the mounting of the first of two umbilical masts.

HERSCHEL UNDERGOES INSPECTIONS FOR ITS APRIL 16 FLIGHT WITH ARIANE 5

February 18, 2009

Pre-launch preparations for the Herschel space telescope are underway at Europe's Spaceport, where the spacecraft has completed its inspection for cleanliness. This inspection activity - which utilized ultraviolet light - is part of the verification process to ensure Herschel's 3.5-meter-diameter mirror is free of particles following its cleaning earlier in the month.

ARIANESPACE OPENS 2009 WITH ANOTHER SUCCESS FOR ARIANE 5

February 12, 2009

Arianespace completed its year-opening Ariane 5 flight tonight, orbiting payloads for two of the world's leading satellite communications operators - Eutelsat and SES. Tonight's deployment of the multi-satellite payload - consisting of HOT BIRD™ 10, NSS-9 and two Spirale micro-satellites - marks the 43rd mission for Ariane 5, as well as the 29th consecutive success for the heavy-lift launch vehicle.

THE FIRST ARIANE 5 LAUNCH OF THIS YEAR ENTERS ITS FINAL COUNTDOWN

February 12, 2009

The final countdown for Arianespace's 2009 year-opening flight is underway, with liftoff scheduled during a 55-minute launch window that opens at 7:09 p.m., local time in French Guiana. This evening's Ariane 5 mission will orbit two primary payloads: HOT BIRD™ 10 for Eutelsat and SES NEW SKIES' NSS-9 - as well as two Spirale micro-satellites.

ARIANE 5 CLEARS INITIAL BUILD-UP PHASE FOR SECOND FLIGHT OF 2009

February 12, 2009

Arianespace's workhorse launch vehicle has completed its initial build-up phase for a space exploration mission set for April. The Ariane 5 will carry two space payloads for the European Space Agency: the Herschel space telescope and Planck spacecraft.

ARIANE 5 ROLLS OUT TO THE LAUNCH ZONE WITH ITS MULTI-SATELLITE PAYLOAD

February 11, 2009

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 for Arianespace's 2009 year-opening mission has been transferred to the ELA-3 launch complex at Europe's Spaceport. This February 12 flight will orbit two primary payloads: HOT BIRD™ 10 for Eutelsat and SES NEW SKIES' NSS-9 - as well as two Spirale micro-satellites.

ARIANE 5 IS READY FOR ITS FEBRUARY 12 LIFTOFF

February 10, 2009

Arianespace's year-opening Ariane 5 flight has completed its launch readiness review at Europe's Spaceport and is on track for the February 12 liftoff with a multi-satellite payload. This launch ushers in another busy year of activity for the workhorse Ariane 5, with plans for six to eight missions in 2009.

BUILD-UP PHASE BEGINS FOR THE NEXT ARIANNE 5

February 9, 2009

The launch vehicle for Arianespace's second Ariane 5 flight of 2009 has entered its assembly phase for an April space exploration mission. The Ariane 5 will carry two space payloads for the European Space Agency: the Herschel space telescope and the Planck spacecraft.

ARIANESPACE TO LAUNCH YAMAL SATELLITES

February 6, 2009

Arianespace has been selected to orbit Yamal-401 and Yamal-402 within the scope of a contract between Thales Alenia Space and Russian operator Gazprom. To be launched in the second half of 2011 by Ariane 5 ECA launchers, these satellites will provide fixed communications and television transmission services.

ARIANE 5 IS READY FOR ITS FEBRUARY 12 LIFTOFF

February 4, 2009

Final assembly of the launcher for Arianespace's year-opening flight is complete following the full installation of its multi-satellite payload at the Spaceport. HOT BIRD™ 10, which is encapsulated in the launch vehicle's protective fairing, has been positioned over the NSS-9 spacecraft - completing the payload "stack" atop Ariane 5's cryogenic core stage.

ARIANESPACE SELECTED TO LAUNCH ARABSAT 5C AND ARABSAT 6B

February 4, 2009

Arianespace will orbit two satellites for the Saudi Arabia-based operator Arabsat. The Arabsat 5C spacecraft is scheduled for launch by an Ariane 5 ECA from the third quarter of 2011, with Arabsat 6B's liftoff planned from the second half of 2012. These two agreements are the 14th and 15th launch Service & Solutions contracts Arianespace has signed in the Middle East.

HOT BIRD™ 10 AND NSS-9 REACH NEW INTEGRATION MILESTONES FOR ARIANE 5'S YEAR-OPENING MISSION

February 3, 2009

The payload "stack" for Arianespace's upcoming launch is nearing completion at Europe's Spaceport, as preparations continue for the multi-passenger Ariane 5 flight on February 12. During activity in the Final Assembly Building, the mission's primary payloads marked new milestones in their integration - with NSS-9 installed atop the launch vehicle and HOT BIRD™ 10 encapsulated by Ariane 5's large payload fairing.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL SPOTLIGHTS ARIANE 5

February 3, 2009

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 is set to star in an upcoming episode of the National Geographic Channel's , which will showcase the launch vehicle's vital role in supporting global communications systems. A five-member crew from the program has been filming preparations for the year-opening Arianespace mission at Europe's Spaceport, and will continue through the February 12 evening liftoff and deployment of Ariane 5's multi-passenger payload.

ARIANESPACE SIGNS SERVICE & SOLUTIONS CONTRACT FOR HISPASAT 1E

February 3, 2009

Arianespace has signed a launch agreement with Hispasat to loft the Spanish operator's Hispasat 1E satellite with an Ariane 5. It is the first contract signed by Arianespace this year. To be orbited in 2010, Hispasat 1E will provide additional capacity for Hispasat - enabling the Spanish operator to offer a broader range of video and data transmission services with European and pan-American coverage.

ARIANESPACE ORDERS 35 ARIANE 5 ECA LAUNCH VEHICLES

February 2, 2009

Arianespace has signed a contract with Astrium Space Transportation for the production of 35 heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECAs. Designated the "PB" batch, these launch vehicles will be deployed on missions beginning in the second half of 2010. This agreement - worth more than 4 billion euros - follows the letter of intent signed at the 2007 Paris Air Show, and brings Arianespace's total number of Ariane 5 launchers under production to 49.

PAYLOAD "STACK" BUILDUP BEGINS FOR ARIANE 5'S YEAR-OPENING MISSION

January 30, 2009

The payload "stack" for Arianespace's initial flight of 2009 is taking shape at the Spaceport, where the Eutelsat HOT BIRD™ 10 satellite has been installed atop Ariane 5's SYLDA dispenser system. With the creation of the payload stack's upper component, the HOT BIRD 10/SYLDA combination is now ready to be positioned over the mission's lower passenger - SES NEW SKIES' NSS-9. NSS-9 and HOT BIRD 10 will be joined on the February 12 launch by a pair of 120-kg.-class Spirale microsatellites, which are demonstrators for a French space-based optical early warning program.

THE SPACEPORT RECEIVES AN ARIANE 5 FOR A MISSION TO EXPLORE THE UNIVERSE'S MYSTERIES

January 29, 2009

The sea-going MN Toucan ship has delivered an Ariane 5 to French Guiana that will be launched in April with Europe's Herschel and Planck space science payloads. Herschel will be the largest space telescope of its kind ever lofted, while Planck will analyze radiation remnants that filled the universe immediately after the Big Bang.

ARIANESPACE BEGINS FINAL PAYLOAD INTEGRATION FOR ITS YEAR-OPENING ARIANE 5 MISSION

January 28, 2009

Preparations for Arianespace's initial Ariane 5 flight of 2009 entered a new phase with the startup of final payload integration at Europe's Spaceport. This activity began with HOT BIRD™ 10's installation atop its adapter unit, which functions as the interface between the satellite and Ariane 5's payload "stack." HOT BIRD 10 will be accompanied on the February 12 launch by the NSS-9 relay platform, as well as a pair of 120-kg.-class Spirale micro-satellites.

ARIANESPACE RECEIVES THE ARIANE 5 FOR ITS FEBRUARY 12 FLIGHT

January 27, 2009

Arianespace has taken delivery of the Ariane 5 launcher for its initial mission of 2009, which will orbit a three-element payload of NSS-9, HOT BIRD™ 10 and two small Spirale satellites. The delivery was marked by Ariane 5's transfer from the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building - where the launch vehicle's initial build-up was performed by industrial prime contractor EADS Astrium Space Transportation - to the Final Assembly Building, where Arianespace will oversee payload integration.

Communications policies for Soyuz operations at the Spaceport are developed by Arianespace and Roscosmos

January 22, 2009

A working meeting with Arianespace and Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) representatives has focused on informational and communications policies for Soyuz missions - covering such topics as procedures for accommodating the news media, along with the means of providing regular updates during launch campaigns for this medium-lift vehicle. The January 20-21 meeting in Moscow is among the preparations for Soyuz' planned start-up of launch operations from the Spaceport late this year.

HOT BIRD™ 10 AND NSS-9 ARE READIED FOR ARIANE 5'S INITIAL FLIGHT OF 2009

January 19, 2009

Preparations for Arianespace's February 12 mission are in full swing following delivery of the SES NEWSKIES NSS-9 satellite to French Guiana and the fueling of Eutelsat's HOT BIRD™ 10. NSS-9 arrived at Cayenne's Rochambeau International Airport aboard a chartered Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner on January 16. It was then transferred by road to the Spaceport, where the satellite was removed from its protective shipping container and underwent a fit check with the adapter that will serve as its interface with Ariane 5. In parallel activity, the mission's other primary passenger - HOT BIRD 10 - was loaded with its propellant during fueling operations in the Spaceport's S5 building.

SECOND SHIPMENT OF SOYUZ LAUNCH SITE HARDWARE ARRIVES IN FRENCH GUIANA

January 13, 2009

Europe's Spaceport has welcomed another major shipment of hardware and systems for the new Soyuz launch site as preparations continue for the medium-lift vehicle's inaugural mission from French Guiana later this year. Arriving aboard the Flinterland sea-going vessel on January 8, the unloading of 125 containers and boxes was completed yesterday - with the hardware and material transferred to the Spaceport by road. This is the second major delivery of material for the Soyuz complex transported by the Flinterland, and it contained a significant portion of the remaining Russian-built ground systems necessary for the launch site's completion.

HOT BIRD™ 10 BEGINS PRE-LAUNCH PROCESSING FOR ARIANESPACE'S FEBRUARY 12 MISSION

January 12, 2009

Eutelsat's HOT BIRD™ 10 has begun its checkout for launch at the Spaceport in French Guiana, where this spacecraft has now been removed from its protective shipping container. HOT BIRD™ 10 will be part of a multi-passenger payload for the heavy-lift Ariane 5's initial flight of 2009 � joining SES NEWSKIES' NSS-9 telecommunications satellite and two Spirale auxiliary passengers.

HOT BIRD™ 10 ARRIVES IN FRENCH GUIANA FOR ITS FEBRUARY LIFTOFF

January 8, 2009

Eutelsat's HOT BIRD™ 10 satellite was delivered to French Guiana today, arriving aboard a chartered cargo jetliner that completed its transatlantic flight from Europe. HOT BIRD 10 will be orbited as part of a multi-passenger payload on Arianespace's initial Ariane 5 launch of 2008 - joining SES NEWSKIES' NSS-9 telecommunications satellite and two Spirale auxiliary passengers. The spacecraft is identical to the HOT BIRD™ 9 relay platform, which was successfully orbited by Ariane 5 during Arianespace's year-ending 2008 mission on December 20.

ARIANESPACE TO FOCUS ON THE LAUNCHER FAMILY IN 2009

January 6, 2009

Arianespace confirmed its position as the world's leading commercial launch provider in 2008, and will build upon that success this year with a focus on its expanded family of launch vehicles. Six to eight Ariane 5 launches are slated in 2009, with payloads such as the European Space Agency's Herschel astronomy space telescope and the organization's Planck cosmic background mapping satellite - as well as Terrestar-1, one of the world's largest commercial communications satellites. In addition, Soyuz will be launched for the first time from the Guiana Space Center, enabling Arianespace to carry out eight missions with the vehicle by the end of 2010, from either French Guiana or Baikonur Cosmodrome. The development of the Vega launcher also will be completed in 2009, leading to its commercial service entry in 2010.

ARIANESPACE ANNOUNCES CONTRACT WITH INTELSAT

December 30, 2008

Arianespace has won a contract with Intelsat covering the launch of one satellite, plus the option to loft four more satellites between 2011 and 2015. Arianespace will call on the Ariane 5 and Soyuz launch vehicles to deploy innovative solutions to meet the requirements of Intelsat's upcoming satellites - which range in size from 3,000 to 6,100 kg.

ARIANESPACE FORMALLY INAUGURATES NEW LOOK AND BRANDING

January 1, 2009

Arianespace has unveiled its new graphic style, providing a refreshed corporate identity for the world's leading commercial launch services provider. An evolution of Arianespace's previous identity, this new look includes incorporation of the company's "Service & Solutions" motto as an integral part of the corporate logo. In addition, the logo's stylized arrow has been reoriented to the right, reflecting Arianespace's forward-looking business strategy and symbolizing the introduction of Soyuz and Vega at the Spaceport beginning in 2009.

ARIANESPACE SELECTED TO LAUNCH NILESAT 201

December 23, 2008

Arianespace will launch the Nilesat 201 satellite as part of a turnkey contract that Thales Alenia Space has with Nilesat. To be lofted into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 or Soyuz vehicle during the first quarter of 2010, Nilesat 201 will be the third satellite launched by Arianespace for the Egyptian operator - following Nilesat 101 and 102, which were successfully orbited in 1998 and 2000, respectively.

ARIANE 5 ORBITS HOT BIRD™ 9 AND W2M ON ITS SIXTH MISSION OF 2008

December 20, 2008

Arianespace completed its ninth year of Ariane 5 operations with another on-target dual-payload mission from French Guiana. Launched from the Spaceport's ELA-3 complex, the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA orbited HOT BIRD™ 9 and W2M for Europe's Eutelsat telecommunications operator - marking the 28th consecutive success for the workhorse launch vehicle. Payload lift performance for tonight's launch was approximately 8,340 kg., bringing the total payload mass lofted by Ariane 5's six missions in 2008 to more than 56,700 kg.

ARIANESPACE ANNOUNCES TWO ADDITIONAL SERVICE & SOLUTIONS CONTRACTS

December 20, 2008

Maintaining its industry leadership, Arianespace has won two additional contracts for international payloads to be orbited on its Ariane 5 and Soyuz launch vehicles. The company's 26th launch contract in Japan is for an Ariane 5 mission with the BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R satellite during the first half of 2011. BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R is being launched on behalf of Japanese operators B-SAT Corporation and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, within the scope of a turnkey launch contract with the American manufacturer Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems. Separately, EADS Astrium has selected Arianespace to orbit Chile's SSOT (Sistema Satelital para Observaci�n de la Tierra) Earth observation satellite, with a launch slated for the first half of 2010. SSOT is a high-resolution Earth observation satellite that will be boosted into Sun-synchronous orbit by a Soyuz launcher from the Spaceport in French Guiana.

ARIANE 5 IS ON THE LAUNCH PAD FOR ITS DECEMBER 20 LIFTOFF

December 19, 2008

Arianespace today rolled out the Ariane 5 for its sixth mission of 2008, clearing the way for a final countdown to liftoff with Eutelsat's HOT BIRD™ 9 and W2M satellites. The heavy-lift ECA emerged from its Final Assembly Building at 11:00 a.m., and arrived at the ELA-3 launch area 1 hr. 15 min. later, where it was secured in place. The two Eutelsat spacecraft will be deployed during a flight lasting approximately 32 minutes, with liftoff from French Guiana scheduled at the 6:51 p.m. opening of a 59-minute launch window.

THE SIXTH ARIANE 5 OF 2008 IS CLEARED FOR LIFTOFF

December 18, 2008

Arianespace's year-end flight has been given the go-ahead following its launch readiness review, which was conducted today at the Spaceport. This review validated the readiness of Ariane 5, its dual satellite payload of HOT BIRD 9 and W2M, the infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport and the network of downrange tracking stations. The heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA is now clear for its transfer to the ELA-3 launch zone, with liftoff scheduled on December 20 during a launch window that opens at 6:51 p.m. local time in French Guiana.

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM ARIANESPACE

December 16, 2008

Arianespace has issued its 2009 New Year's e-card, which highlights the company's family of launch vehicles - composed of the heavy-lift Ariane 5, medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega.