Arianespace has won four new launch contracts, maintaining its lead in an increasingly competitive commercial market. The company says it has 42 satellites in its orderbook and claims a 50% market share.
Arianespace will launch the Swedish communications satellite Sirius 3 in 1998.
This Hughes HS376 satellite will be the fourth spacecraft Arianespace will have launched for Sweden.
An Ariane 5 rocket will boost the Telstar 6 communications satellite into geostationary transfer orbit in 1999.
The payload is the first to be taken up from four launch reservations made with Arianespace by the satellite-builder Space Systems/Loral for launches to 2001, ensuring guaranteed flight slots during a period of high launch demand.
Identity
Two other contacts have been signed, says Arianespace. The identity of the customer is expected to be revealed later this week.
Telstar 6 will be the third of a commercial communications satellite specifically assigned to an Ariane 5.
The new booster has yet to be flight-tested successfully.
Following the catastrophic failure of the maiden Ariane 5 in June 1996, the second test flight is scheduled for this September and another in March 1998.
It is hoped that the vehicle will then be handed over to Arianespace by the European Space Agency for full commercial operations.
Arianespace will then have 11 Ariane 5s available but, in addition to the three communications satellites, is also committed to six firm launches for the ESA.
Arianespace is therefore expected to place an order for more Ariane 5s later this year.
Source: Flight Daily News
