Ariane Takes Brazil Launch Again

Washington DC - June 23, 1998 - Arianespace has signed Embratel to its sixth launch with a contract for launching BrasilSat B4 in late 1999 from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on an Ariane 4 launcher.

BrasilSat B4 is the sixth satellite entrusted to the European launcher by Brazil. It follows BrasilSat S1, launched in February 1985, BrasilSat S2 in March 1986 and BrasilSat B1, B2 and B3, placed into orbit in August 1994, March 1995 and February 1998, respectively.

Commenting on this latest contract, Arianespace Chairman Jean-Marie Luton noted, "This new contract underlines Embratel's recognition of the three key advantages of the service offered by Arianespace.

"The combination of the Ariane 4 and Ariane 5 systems gives us very significant launch capacity, as these launchers will be operated simultaneously as of 1999, when BrasilSat B4 will be launched. We also offer greater flexibility thanks to dual payload launches, substantially increasing opportunities for access to space.

"Last but not least, the proven responsiveness of Arianespace enables us to accommodate the commercial priorities of our customers while addressing the unplanned factors inherent to the space transportation business. This major Brazilian operator has once again expressed the complete confidence in the European launcher that has marked our relationship with Embratel during the past 16 years."

The BrasilSat B4 satellite will be built by Hughes Space and Communications in El Segundo, California, using an HS 376W platform. Weighing 1,750 kg (3,850 lb) at liftoff, it will be equipped with 24 C-band and four extended C-band transponders.

BrasilSat B4 will be placed into position at 99 degrees West, from where it will work with BrasilSat B1, B2 and B3 to provide a full range of communications services, handling data and television transmissions, as well as telephone traffic all over Brazil.

With this fifth contract of 1998, Arianespace's orderbook stands at 40 satellites to be launched.

Embratel

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