Arianespace has been awarded two satellite launch contracts, bringing to 50 the number of spacecraft in its orderbook, including the nine Automatic Transfer Vehicles for the European Space Agency.
The latest satellites to be added to the launch list are Japan's N-Star C late in 2001 or maybe early 2002, as well as the Stellat France Telecom/Alcatel communications satellite, to be launched in 2002.
The Lockheed Martin-built N-Star C will be the 18th Japanese satellite to be launched by Arianespace. Stellat will be based on an Alcatel Spacebus 3000 B3 platform.
Arianespace has signed contracts for 21 launches this year. The company has completed eight launches so far - including two in eight days in September - placing 11 spacecraft into orbit. There are plans for an additional five before the end of the year.
An Ariane 44LP model is scheduled to launch EuropStar on 27 October and an Ariane 5 is to boost PanAmSat 1R and piggyback satellites on 14 November.
The remaining three launches for the year will comprise two Ariane 4s and one Ariane 5 together carrying five more satellites.
• A Euroconsult survey of the international commercial launcher market predicts the launch of 657 satellites over the next 10 years, generating $34 billion in revenue.
This compares with the 638 spacecraft launched in the last 10 years, generating $28 billion revenues, according to Euroconsult.
Source: Flight International
