Arianespace Wins Satmex 6 Launch Contract

Communications Today, June 3, 2002

Money-losing Arianespace remains a fierce competitor in bidding for new launch contracts. It won a pact to orbit the Satmex 6 telecommunications satellite.

Satmex 6 would be lifted by an Ariane 5 in the first quarter of 2003, Arianespace officials said. The satellite will be positioned at 109.2 degrees W to provide coverage for all of Mexico, as well as other portions of Latin and North America. Latin American satellite telecommunications provider Satelites Mexicanos S.A. de C.V. (Satmex) will operate the satellite. Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Marie, who recently announced he planned a major cost-cutting at his organization, said Satmex's increasing capacity will transform its customer from a national operator into one that can cover the entire continent.

Launch of the 5,700-kg. Satmex 6 in 2003 will be the first mission for a Mexican satellite on Ariane 5--Arianespace's next-generation heavy-lift launcher. The newest Satmex spacecraft will carry 36 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, and is designed for a useful lifetime of 15 years.