Tim Furniss/LONDON
LUXEMBOURG'S Societe Europeenne des Satellites (SES), operator of the Astra communications satellites, has signed a long-term agreement with Arianespace covering the launch of six geostationary-orbit (GEO) Astra spacecraft by Ariane 4 and 5 vehicles between 1997 and 2000, starting with the Astra 1G.
The booking of three confirmed and three reserved launches brings to 47 the number of spacecraft on Arianespace's orderbook, compared with 29 GEO craft contracted to the European consortium's largest rival, International Launch Services, which markets the Atlas and Proton boosters.
Arianespace launched the first six Astra satellites between 1988 and 1995. The Astra 1F was launched on a Russian Proton on 8 April. The agreement guarantees SES the availability of Ariane launchers to ensure the continuity and growth of its direct-broadcast business in Europe. SES has yet to place an order with a manufacturer for the Astra 1I spacecraft onwards. The Astras 1B-1H are Hughes craft.
The block booking by SES follows a similar agreement with Space Systems Loral for five satellite launches to 2000 with Arianespace (Flight International, 8-14 May). This was the first block-booking to be made by a satellite manufacturer with the European launcher organisation.
The first launch of a Loral satellite is scheduled for 1998, with another four classed as options. The agreement gives Loral "guaranteed launch services availability during a period of very high market demand", says Arianespace.
Ariane flight V86 is scheduled to launch Israel's first communications satellite, the Amos, and the Palapa C2 for Indonesia on 15 May. The Ariane 5 will have its European Space Agency-funded maiden flight on 25 May.
See feature, P69.
Source: Flight International