France in Space #203

1: FIFTH SUCCESSFUL MISSION IN THREE MONTHS FOR ARIANESPACE

2: ESA MAINTAINS ITS ACCESS TO FRENCH GUYANA FACILITES

3: NEW OBJECTIVES FOR CNES FOR 2002-2006

4: ALCATEL TO BUILD EUTLESAT W SATELLITE

5: NEW TWO-WAY SATELLITE BROADBAND PROVIDER IN EUROPE

** 1: FIFTH SUCCESSFUL MISSION IN THREE MONTHS FOR ARIANESPACE

On April 16, Arianespace lifted the NSS-7 satellite for New Skies Satellite
N. V operator. Flight 150 marked the fifth Ariane launch in 2002 and the
sixth satellite orbited in three months. An Ariane 44L (four
liquid-propellant strap-on boosters) positioned NSS-7 at 338 degrees East
over the Atlantic Ocean. The telecommunications satellite NSS-7 will offer
enhanced coverage of the Americas, Europe and Africa. Another New Skies
Satellite, NSS-6, is also planned for launch by Arianespace in 2002.
Positioned at 95 degrees East, it will provide services primarily for Asia.
Flight 150 was also the 100th launch of an Ariane launcher. Arianespace’s
next launch, Flight 151, is scheduled for May 3, 2002. An Ariane 4 will
launch CNES (French Space Agency) Spot 5 Earth Observation satellite into
sun-synchronous orbit.
[Arianespace Press Release, 04/16/2002]

** 2: ESA MAINTAINS ITS ACCESS TO FRENCH GUYANA FACILITES

On April 11 2002, Roger-GŽrard Schwartzenberg, French Minister of Research,
and Antonio Rodota, ESA Director General, signed an agreement with the
Guyana Space Centre (CSG), Europe spaceport in French Guyana. The agreement
guarantees to ESA access to facilities and resources belonging to CNES
(French Space Agency) in the CSG, over the 2002-2006 period, for its
programs and activities, and especially for Ariane launcher operations. The
agreement replaces the previous one which expired at the end of 2001 and,
with the decisions taken during the November ESA Council in Edinburgh,
secures Europe’s access to space from its spaceport in French Guyana. It
also confirms the solidarity of all ESA member states with the European
launcher sector.

[ESA Press Release and CNES Press Release, 04/11/2002]

** 3: NEW OBJECTIVES FOR CNES FOR 2002-2006

On April 10, the French Minister of Research, Roger-GŽrard Schwartzenberg,
the French Defence Minister, Alain Richard and CNES General Manager, GŽrard
Brachet signed a multiyear blueprint agreement for the 2002-2006 period.
This agreement crystallizes the strategic importance of space and CNES core
mission. Four main objectives have been identified: focus action on the
needs of society; build the foundations for success by ensuring competitive
access to space and supporting upstream research and technological
innovation; strengthen synergies between national and European institutions
and between both the civil and military sector in upstream research, space
programs and satellite use; become an effective business partner.
[CNES Press Release, 04/10/2002]

** 4: ALCATEL TO BUILD EUTLESAT W5 SATELLITE

Eutelsat signed a contract with Alcatel Space concerning the delivery of a
new communications satellite called W5. Ready for launch this summer, W5
will offer a full portfolio of services including video distribution and
contribution links, occasional-use video and especially Satellite News
Gathering (SNG), as well as Internet backbone connections. Using the
Spacebus 3000 platform, the new satellite will carry 24 wideband Ku-band
transponders. W5 will provide broad coverage and include two steerable
spotbeams, which can be steered over a broad range of different market
zones. W5 has a minimum lifespan of 12 years, a launch mass of three
tonnes, and 6000 watt-on-board power. Options for the satellite’s orbital
position are currently being reviewed by Eutelsat, one of the world’s
leading providers of satellite communications solutions.

[Eutelsat Press Release, 04/05/2002]

** 5: NEW TWO-WAY SATELLITE BROADBAND PROVIDER IN EUROPE

SES GLOBAL, Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., Alcatel Space and Sky Bridge
(Alcatel subsidiaries) announced on April 8, the creation of a new company
that will provide two-way satellite broadband communications services to
professionals and individuals throughout Europe. The company value exceeds
200 million Euros and includes liquidity of more than 50 million Euros with
additional contributions from each of the partners. SES GLOBAL and Gilat
will serve as equal shareholders (50/50 initially) in the new company.
Alcatel will make technical and marketing contributions as well as a cash
investment into new ventures in exchange for a 20 percent equity share. The
new company, whose headquarters are in Luxemburg, will acquire 100 percent
of Gilat Europe companies. By combining industry leading satellite
communications technology and expertise from SES GLOBAL, Alcatel and Gilat,
the new company immediately becomes a potent force in the European
broadband market.
[Alcatel Space Press Release, 04/08/2002]

[From Alcatel Space Press Release, Arianespace Press Release, CNES Press
Release, ESA Press Release, Eutelsat Press Release]