The launch is scheduled for mid-2000, using an Ariane 4 or Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The launch service will be partially financed by a project finance loan from Arianespace Finance.

Emphasizing the importance of this contract, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Marie Luton said: "This contract once again proves the adaptability of the Ariane launch system, which enables us to meet the evolving needs of our operator customers.

"Along with our subsidiary, Arianespace Finance, we have developed innovative solutions, such as this type of project finance aid. We are very pleased to support Alcatel Space and Loral Space & Communications in developing their operations in international markets."

The Europe*Star platform is being built by Space Systems/Loral in Palo Alto (California), and the payload by Alcatel Space Industries in Toulouse (France). Weighing more than 4,000 kilograms (8,800 lb) at liftoff, Europe*Star will be positioned at 45 degrees East. It will be equipped with 30 Ku-band transponders to provide video transmission and other telecommunications services for Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, India and Southeast Asia.

Benoit Tellier, Vice President of Alcatel Space, was delighted with Arianespace which he stated as "over and above the performance of its launchers in being able to provide very competitive financial terms within the scope of its bid." Alain Roger, Chairman and CEO of Europe*Star Ltd., added: "the reliability of Ariane launchers is now fully proven, and at Europe*Star, we can ensure our customers that we will be ready to serve them in mid-2000, as planned."

With this contract, Arianespace's order book now stands at 39 satellites to be launched, along with one constellation launch.

Alcatel Space and Loral Space & Communications have formed the Europe*Star Limited joint venture to market satellite services. It will offer a complete range of data transmission and telecommunications services, in particular video transmission, direct-to-home (DTH) television, Internet access and rural telephony.

Loral & Alcatel Plan Europe*Star

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Satellite Launch To Boost DTH In India
Calcutta, India (SPX) Dec 28, 2005
The successful launch Thursday of India's heaviest satellite from spaceport of Kourou in French Guyana may have boosted the country's space research efforts to yet another level, but it has also lifted the spirits of at least three Direct-To-Home televisions broadcasters, one of which has been waiting for years to launch its services in India.