Arianespace launch with SPAINSAT and HOT BIRD(tm) 7A: The liftoff is set for Friday, February 24

(Kourou, February 23, 2006) Following the evaluation and replacement of a support equipment component, Arianespace has authorized a restart of the final countdown for its mission with the SPAINSAT and HOT BIRDTM 7A satellites.

Liftoff of the Ariane 5 ECA launcher is now set for the night of Friday, February 24 at the opening of the following launch window:

From 7:11 p.m. to 8:21 p.m., local time in Kourou, French Guiana

From 5:11 p.m. to 6:21 p.m. in Washington, D.C.

From 22h11 to 23h21 GMT

From 11:11 p.m. to 00:21 a.m. in Paris and Madrid