Arianespace upbeat for the future

Arianespace executives have announced a new order at the airshow, and provided an upbeat analysis of the future as the company increases Ariane 5's payload capability and extended its flexibility.

In a briefing for the international media at Le Bourget, Secretary General Francoise Bouzitat said "Operators are facing strong financial constraints. To support them, we will continue to improve our competitiveness. This is Arianespace's major objective, and our partners very actively support our initiative."

Philippe Berterottiere, Arianespace VP Sales & Marketing, went on to say, "With our proven Ariane 5, Arianespace can launch a full range of satellites to geostationary transfer orbit - providing cost-effective pairing of payloads under the heavy-lift vehicle's large fairing. Arianespace has been performing dual launches since 1982, and this practice will continue with Ariane 5 and its growth versions."

Arianespace's optimism has been endorsed with this week's announcement of an order from a long-time Ariane customer, PanAmSat, for the launch of its new 1,700 kg class satellites: Galaxy 12, PAS Light 2 and PAS Light 3. Galaxy 12 will be lofted by an Ariane 5 or Ariane 4 in late 2002, while PAS Light 2 and 3 are scheduled for Ariane 5 launches during the second half of 2003 and in 2004, respectively.

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