April 02, 2007

Arianespace to launch two Intelsat payloads

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Arianespace announced today that it will launch the Horizons-2 spacecraft for Horizons Satellite LLC (a joint venture between Intelsat and JSAT), and Intelsat-11 for Intelsat.

An Ariane 5 will orbit both payloads from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana during the third quarter of 2007. After delivery to geostationary transfer orbit, Horizons-2 will occupy an orbital slot at 74 degrees West Longitude, and Intelsat-11 will be located at 43 degrees West Longitude.

Weighing approximately 2,350 kg. at liftoff, the Horizons-2 satellite – based on Orbital Science’s STAR satellite platform – carries 20 high-power Ku-band transponders, and will generate 3.5 kilowatts of payload power. This powerful new satellite will provide service for everything from digital video, high-definition television (HDTV) and IP-based content distribution networks, to broadband Internet and satellite news services in the continental United States, the Caribbean and parts of Canada.

The Intelsat-11 spacecraft, also built by Orbital Sciences, will weigh approximately 2,500 kg. at liftoff. Its 34 transponders will provide direct-to-home broadcasting and data networking services to Latin America.

“JSAT is pleased to be working once again with Arianespace as we expand our in-orbit satellite network,” said Mr. Kiyoshi Isozaki, JSAT’s President & CEO. “Our relationship dates back to 1989, and the most recent JSAT satellite – JCSAT-10 – was successfully orbited by Ariane 5 last August, becoming our company’s 7th spacecraft launched by Arianespace contracts.”

“Intelsat is investing to build its leadership in serving the media industry, and the Horizons-2 and Intelsat-11 satellites will provide capacity that serves this customer set as well as data networking,” said Dave McGlade, CEO of Intelsat. “Arianespace will enable us to place these payloads into service this year, accomplishing our objectives for these satellites.”

Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall thanked Intelsat and JSAT for their continued confidence, adding: “Arianespace is delighted that its customized package of Service & Solutions was chosen by these two telecommunications industry leaders.” Le Gall added that Arianespace has enjoyed a long mutual partnership with Intelsat. “We have launched 38 payloads for Intelsat since 1983, and we are pleased to build upon this legacy with the launch of Horizons-2 and Intelsat-11,” he said. “We are equally delighted to be working once again with JSAT.”

About JSAT

JSAT was formed in 1985 as Japan’s first private-sector satellite operator. The provision of satellite communications services began in 1989 following the launch of JCSAT-1. Since then, JSAT has grown and evolved in step with advances in the global satellite communications and broadcasting services. Website: www.jsat.net.

About Intelsat

Intelsat is the largest provider of fixed satellite services worldwide and is the leading provider of these services to each of the media, network services/telecom and government customer sectors, enabling people and businesses everywhere constant access to information and entertainment. Intelsat offers customers a greater business potential by providing them unrivaled resources with ease of business and peace of mind. Intelsat’s services are utilized by an extensive customer base, including some of the world’s leading media and communications companies, multinational corporations, Internet service providers and government/military organizations. Real-time, constant communication with people anywhere in the world is closer, by far. Website: www.intelsat.com.

About Arianespace

Arianespace is the commercial launch Service & Solutions leader, holding more than 50 percent of the international market for satellites launched to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Created in 1980 as the world’s first commercial space transportation company, Arianespace has signed contracts for the launch of more than 280 satellite payloads.

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