Eutelsat renews Arianespace launch contract
July 10, 2012 11.56 Europe/London By Julian Clover
Eutelsat Communications has entered the 30th year of its relationship with the Arianespace with the conclusion of a new launch services contract.
The precise satellite that will be assigned to the Guiana Space Centre will be decided at a later stage.
Eutelsat has already announced an expansion programme that will see the launch of six new satellites by the end of 2014.
The contract for this 28th launch was marked by a ceremony at Eutelsat’s headquarters in the presence of Geneviève Fioraso, France’s Minister for Research and Higher Education, Jean- Yves Le Gall, chairman and CEO of Arianespace and Michel de Rosen, CEO of Eutelsat.
The relationship between the Paris-based satellite operator and the French-led launch vehicle is highly significant.
“This new agreement between Eutelsat and Arianespace which benefits both France and Europe’s space sector. Technology and innovation are pillars of our national policy of restoring production capacities. I am delighted to see these two leaders in their domains strengthen their cooperation, creating wealth and employment in France,” said Fioraso.
Eutelsat CEO, Michel de Rosen, added: “We are delighted to entrust a new mission to Arianespace, a reference in the global launch services market. Eutelsat has been able to count on the expertise and flexibility of Arianespace to deliver two thirds of its satellites into orbit. We look forward to pursuing this successful collaboration.”