Fifth Launch Of 2008

On Thursday evening, August 14, Arianespace orbited two communications satellites, primarily intended for TV broadcast services: Superbird-7 for Japanese operator Space Communications Corporation (SCC), within the scope of a contract with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO), and AMC-21 for American operator SES AMERICOM, a company of the SES group.

It was the 41st launch using the Ariane 5 booster, and the 27th successful launch in a row, according to the company. Arianespace has launched nine missions in a 12 month period, including five this year.

Superbird-7 is the 7th Space Communications Corporation (SCC) satellite launched by Ariane, and the 23rd Japanese commercial satellite having chosen Arianespace. It was also the second satellite built by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) to be launched by Ariane 5.

AMC-21 is the 30th satellite launched by Arianespace for the SES group (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Bourse: SESG), the world's leading satellite operator. The AMC-21 satellite will be operated by SES AMERICOM from the United States.

Arianespace notes the Ariane 5 is the only commercial launcher in service today capable of simultaneously launching two payloads.

FMI: www.arianespace.com/