Optus D1 - Groundbreaking Contract

LAUNCH PAD

a dependable choice

Evry (SPX) May 20, 2004
The Optus D1 launch contract signed last week marks the first time the Launch Services Alliance mission assurance option was incorporated into a contract at signing.

After competitive bidding from all launch services providers, Australian telecommunications carrier Optus chose an Ariane 5 as the primary vehicle with the Sea Launch Zenit-3SL as the backup.

"This contract proves what we have been saying all along," remarked Jim Maser, President and General Manager of Sea Launch. "Customers want flexibility and responsiveness, and the Launch Services Alliance uniquely meets that need."

"After the proven successful collaboration for the DIRECTV 7S launch, we are proud to have the opportunity to work with Sea Launch again," said Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall.

The satellite will receive dual-integration efforts, so that if the backup arrangement is activated, the operator will still have the desired launch window at the end of 2005.

Created in July 2003, the Launch Services Alliance combines the strengths of the world's leading commercial launch providers Arianespace, Boeing Launch Services and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to provide customers with flexible, reliable and on-time delivery to orbit.

Sea Launch Company, LLC, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and marketed through BLS, offers the most direct and cost-effective route to geostationary orbit for dedicated commercial launches in the heavy- lift range. With the advantage of a launch site on the Equator, the reliable Zenit-3SL rocket can lift a heavier spacecraft mass or provide longer life on orbit, offering best value plus schedule assurance.

Arianespace is the commercial launch services leader, holding more than 50 percent of the international market for satellites launched to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Created in 1980 as the world's first commercial space transportation company, Arianespace has signed contracts for the launch of more than 250 satellite payloads.

LAUNCH PAD

Final Atlas IIAS Being Shipped to Cape For Launch June 30

Denver CO (SPX) May 15, 2004
Lockheed Martin marked a significant milestone in its successful Atlas program Saturday. More than 1500 employees, guests and customers celebrated at an event held at the company's production facility near Denver, Colo., where Atlas II, Atlas III and Atlas V launch vehicles are assembled.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.