Boeing, Mitsubishi Electric announce strategic alliance

At Le Bourget Boeing and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) officials announced a further broadening of co-operation between the two companies by signing an agreement that includes space-based communications, air traffic management, multimedia, navigation, space and communications services, launch services, and space infrastructure markets.

In the launch services segment, the agreement includes one firm Delta IV launch service order, up to five launches options, and extends from 2002 to 2007 and names the Boeing Delta team as MELCO's preferred non-Japanese launch service provider. "The success we've had in an extremely competitive market is a testament to the work our team has done to prepare the Delta IV for operation next year," said Gale Schluter, vice president and general manager of Boeing Expendable Launch Systems.

"Over the past five years, Boeing has established a great working relationship with MELCO which has been evident in key programs such as Connexion by BoeingSM, the long term relationship with Boeing Satellite Systems, and other space related activities," said Dr. Hiroshi Kimura, general manager, Space Systems Division of MELCO. "As a result of our partnership, we have been able to enter into this launch service agreement and announce the Delta Launch Services team as our preferred non-Japanese launch service provider."

The Delta IV family includes five variants capable of lifting 4,000 kg to 13,000 kg to geostationary transfer orbit. The vehicles are capable of launching single, dual, or multiple satellites in either4-meter or 5-meter payload accommodations. Subject to approval from both companies, the new launch service agreement will be finalised later this year.

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