SES signs Contracts for 10 Satellite Launches with Arianespace and ILS

Multi-launch agreements for Ariane 5 and Proton Breeze M boosters secure SES access to space

Betzdorf, Luxembourg / Douglas, Isle of Man, June 18, 2007 – SES, the world’s pre-eminent satellite operator (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) today unveiled new groundbreaking satellite launch vehicle contracts covering the majority of the satellite launch requirements for the SES group from the period 2009-2013. These “multi-launch agreements” ensure that each SES satellite will have a primary as well as a back-up launch vehicle, each with two launch slots, providing utmost planning security and flexibility for the company’s ambitious launch schedule.

To that effect, SES Satellite Leasing Ltd. has signed separate agreements with launch industry leaders Arianespace and ILS for 5 satellite launches each. Arianespace will provide Ariane 5 or Soyuz boosters to be launched out of the European Space Port in Kourou (French Guyana). ILS will provide Proton Breeze M boosters launching from the Baikonour Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The multi-launch agreements include options for additional launches, and represent the largest single launch services contract to date both for Arianespace and ILS. Terms of the contracts remain confidential.

States Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES: “These groundbreaking contracts with two renowned industry leaders ensure secured on-schedule access to space for SES satellites due to the ‘full dual slot – mutual back-up policy’ that both Arianespace and ILS have agreed for their respective launch vehicles. We are confident that with these innovative agreements in place, the continuous development and replacement of our global satellite fleet is ensured at attractive terms and conditions for the foreseeable future, providing SES with an additional competitive edge.”

Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall added: “This is a major contract that confirms our strategic partnership with SES building upon a foundation of 26 launches performed for the SES group, and provides clear proof that Arianespace offers custom-tailored services and innovative solutions that meet our customers’ requirements. I would like to thank SES for their renewed confidence in us, reflected in this latest contract. Their selection confirms that Arianespace, with our Ariane 5 and Soyuz launchers, sets the global standard in space transportation and guaranteed access to space.”

“The real value in this unique multi-buy contract is the flexibility it offers SES, in terms of matching payloads and launch periods,” said Frank McKenna, ILS President. “We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with SES,” McKenna said. “Our relationship goes back to the very beginning of ILS. SES was the customer for the first commercial launch on Proton back in 1996, and ILS has launched at least one satellite a year for SES operating companies ever since. In 2007, we have scheduled launches for SES AMERICOM and SES SIRIUS.”

(SES press release)

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