The Franco-Russian Starsem company has become an equity partner in the Skybridge communications satellite consortium. Starsem will provide up to 11 launches of its Soyuz-Fregat booster to the consortium.
Eighty Skybridge satellites will provide high-speed, interactive multmedia services to business and private users from 2003. Thirty- two satellites will be launched by Soyuz Fregat boosters, with two satellites possibly flying on one launch and the others in sets of three. The launch order was from Alcatel, the Skybridge partner and prime contractor.
Boeing, another Skybridge partner, has been awarded a contract to launch 48 Skybridge satellites on board the company's Delta IV medium booster.
Source: Flight International
