Launch Planned For Second Half Of 2013

As part of its "Multi-Launch Agreement" with Arianespace, the Luxembourg satellite operator SES has confirmed the launch of the ASTRA 2E satellite slated for the second half of 2013.

Weighing more than 13,000 lbs at launch, the ASTRA 2E will be placed into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 launcher from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. The ASTRA 2E will be built by Astrium using a Eurostar E3000 platform. Fitted with active Ku-band and Ka-band transponders, ASTRA 2E will be positioned at 28.2 degrees East. It will deliver high-power broadcast services across all of Europe and Africa, and will offer a design life of about 15 years.

In 2011, Arianespace is to orbit the ASTRA 1N and SES 2 satellites for SES.

SES Astra Satellite

Arianespace and SES have done business together over the last two decades. SES, with its ASTRA satellite platform, operates the leading direct-to-home (DTH) TV broadcast system in Europe, serving more than 135 million households via DTH and cable networks.

Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said: "Arianespace is especially proud to have been selected by one of the world's major satellite operators. We are very proud to serve SES once again and we would like to thank SES for selecting us. This is clear recognition of the quality and competitiveness of our launch Service & Solutions."

FMI: www.arianespace.com