TELKOM-2 will be lofted by an Ariane 5 in the second half of 2004 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. It is the second satellite entrusted by TELKOM to Arianespace after TELKOM-1, which was successfully launched from Kourou, French Guiana, on August 12, 1999, and the fourth in total for Indonesia, following the Palapa C-2 in 1996, Cakrawarta-1 in 1997 and TELKOM-1.

"Arianespace is proud to have been entrusted once again by PT TELKOM Tbk for the launch of TELKOM-2. This contract from one of the very first operators to have launched a telecommunications satellite is an acknowledgement of the leadership position that the European launcher has reached," Mr. Le Gall said.

"This agreement shows the confidence of an experienced operator in our workhorse, Ariane 5."

TELKOM-2, to be manufactured by US-based Orbital Sciences Corporation based on its Star-2 platform which can go up to 2,300 kilograms in weight, will carry 24 C-band transponders and will have a 15-year in-orbit life.

The satellite, which will be placed at 118 degrees East longitude, will enable TELKOM to replace its existing Palapa-B4 satellite.

Its addition will bolster TELKOM's coverage in Southern Asia and the Indian subcontinent, in addition to its current Indonesian capacity. It will be used for voice, video and data communications for the region.

This Jakarta signing marks the 3rd Asian launch contract inked by Arianespace this year after IPSTAR for ShinSat of Thailand and Agrani 2 for India. It is the 11th contract signed by Arianespace in 2002.

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